International VAT

International trade creates complex VAT challenges: post-Brexit UK-EU rules, import and export VAT, place of supply questions, reverse charge mechanisms and marketplace obligations. Get them wrong and you face assessments and blocked recovery; get them right and VAT becomes a managed cost. Our team includes VAT specialists experienced in EU VAT rules, post-Brexit UK VAT, import/export procedures and cross-border supply chains.

EU VAT and Post-Brexit Trade

Brexit fundamentally changed UK-EU VAT: goods moving between the UK and EU are now imports and exports, and UK businesses often need EU registrations or the EU's One-Stop Shop schemes to sell compliantly.

We advise on where you must register, prepare and manage EU VAT registrations and returns, and structure your flows — including warehousing and drop-shipping arrangements — so you don't carry registrations you don't need.

Import and Export VAT

Exports of goods are generally zero-rated when you hold the right evidence within the time limits — weak paperwork is the most common reason zero-rating fails under HMRC review.

On imports, postponed import VAT accounting lets you declare and recover import VAT on the same VAT return instead of paying at the border, protecting cash flow. We set up postponed accounting, coordinate with your customs declarations and maximise import VAT recovery.

Cross-Border Services and the Reverse Charge

For services, everything turns on place of supply: B2B services are generally taxed where the customer belongs, with the customer applying the reverse charge, while B2C rules vary by service type. We map your service flows, apply the correct treatment and make sure reverse charge entries are handled properly on your returns — they affect partial exemption and registration thresholds more often than businesses expect.

E-Commerce, OSS and IOSS

Selling to EU consumers? The One-Stop Shop (OSS) lets you report EU-wide B2C sales through a single registration, and the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) simplifies VAT on low-value consignments to EU customers. Marketplaces add another layer, as they are often deemed the supplier for VAT purposes. We determine which schemes fit your model, register you and manage the ongoing filings.

UK VAT for Overseas Businesses

Non-UK businesses selling into the UK usually need UK VAT registration — and businesses with no UK establishment generally have no registration threshold, so the obligation can start with the first taxable sale. As your UK VAT agent we handle registration, MTD-compliant returns and all HMRC liaison, giving you a single point of contact in the UK.

What You Get With Acumon

• Post-Brexit UK-EU VAT expertise on goods and services
• Postponed import VAT accounting set up to protect cash flow
• Export zero-rating evidence reviews before HMRC asks
• OSS, IOSS and marketplace VAT compliance for e-commerce
• UK VAT agent services for overseas businesses
• All 90 of our professionals are based in the UK

Why Acumon for International VAT?

• Many of Acumon's VAT specialists previously worked for HMRC
• All 90 professionals are based in the UK
• UK VAT agent and representative services for non-UK businesses

Get a Fixed-Fee Quote

Tell us what you need and we'll come back within one business day with a clear scope and a fixed price — no hourly-rate surprises. Call 020 8567 3451 or use the form and we'll be in touch.