Announcement: VAT registration will go digital starting in August 2024.

In May HMRC shared an VAT frauds HMRC VAT refund fraud alert. The scam has impacted several VAT-registered companies, with their details being altered on the HMRC portal without their knowledge, VAT repayments being diverted to a third party, and, in some cases, data being stolen from websites and used to complete a paper HMRC form that is easily obtained online.

HMRC will be phasing out form VAT 484 starting from 5th August 2024 as part of measures to tackle fraudulent attempts to access businesses’ VAT repayments. While HMRC will continue to provide support through non-digital channels such as phone services, they are confident that the digital route will be faster, more secure, and prevent unnecessary delays.

Starting from 5th August 2024, all changes to clients’ VAT registration details must be completed online. Businesses wishing to change their VAT registration details must use their VAT online account. The use of form VAT 484 will be discontinued from this date, except for cases where individuals are digitally excluded.

Exceptions: Exceptions may be granted in certain circumstances, such as when a person is digitally excluded or requires assistance with digital services. There are also situations where changes cannot be made using digital channels, such as notifying HMRC of taking over someone else’s VAT responsibilities. In these cases, form VAT 484 can be requested from HMRC.

If you have any queries or concerns about this change, please contact a team member who will be happy to help using email info@lbgroupltd.com.