--- title: "International VAT Advice in Cardiff | Luminaire Accounts" description: "Plain-English support with EU and overseas VAT: registrations, OSS/IOSS, reverse charge, invoicing and returns to keep you compliant." canonical: "https://hlsaccounting.co.uk/services/international-vat-advice" --- VAT Services # International VAT Advice We help Cardiff businesses navigate international VAT rules with clarity and confidence. Whether you're selling services overseas, managing cross-border supplies, or dealing with EU compliance post-Brexit, we'll make sure you're fully compliant and not paying a penny more than you need to. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) 10 Years advising on VAT 150+ International clients 100% Compliance record ![Tax advisor points to a world map on a monitor while consulting with a client across a desk with documents, calculator, laptop, and a globe in a clean modern office.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Ftax-advisor-international-vat-consultation.jpg%3Fv%3D1773064223284&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) ## What we cover From EU reverse charge rules to non-UK VAT registrations, we handle every aspect of international VAT so you can trade across borders without the headaches. ### EU and Non-UK VAT Registration Getting you registered in the right jurisdictions and keeping those registrations current. ### Reverse Charge and Place of Supply Rules Working out where VAT is due and who accounts for it on cross-border B2B services. ### International VAT Returns and Compliance Preparing and submitting returns to keep you on the right side of HMRC and overseas authorities. ### VAT Health Checks and Inspections Reviewing your cross-border transactions to spot issues before HMRC does. ## How we help you get international VAT right International VAT is one of the most complex areas of tax compliance, and the rules have only become trickier since Brexit. If you're supplying services to customers in the EU or beyond, charging the wrong VAT (or no VAT at all) can lead to penalties, surprise bills from HMRC, and sleepless nights. We work with small and growing businesses across Cardiff and South Wales to take that worry off your plate. Our approach starts with understanding exactly what you do and who you sell to. Are your customers businesses or consumers? Are you supplying services, goods, or a mix? From there, we'll work out where VAT is due, whether you need to register overseas, and how schemes like reverse charge or the Flat Rate Scheme might apply. We'll also review your existing records to make sure nothing has been missed. > We'll make sure you're compliant without overcomplicating things. More information For most B2B services supplied internationally, there's no UK VAT to charge because your customer accounts for it in their own country under reverse charge rules. But if you're selling to consumers (B2C), the position can be very different, and getting it wrong can be costly. We'll walk you through the specific rules for your situation and set up systems so you're applying them correctly every time. We handle VAT registration in other jurisdictions when it's needed, prepare and submit international VAT returns, and liaise with HMRC or overseas tax authorities on your behalf. If you're facing an inspection or investigation, we'll support you through it with clear advice and proper documentation. We also keep an eye on regulatory changes, including Making Tax Digital requirements, so you're never caught off guard. ### What's included - Initial consultation to map your cross-border activities - Advice on place of supply, reverse charge, and VAT liability - VAT registration in the UK and overseas where required - Preparation and submission of international VAT returns - Ongoing compliance support and health checks - Representation during HMRC inspections or investigations > Most businesses overpay simply because the rules aren't clear. We'll help you claim back what's yours. Whether you're a Cardiff-based consultancy working with EU clients, a trades business supplying services across the border, or a growing SME expanding into new markets, we've worked with businesses like yours. We know the local landscape and the international rulebook, and we'll make sure the two work together without costing you time or money you don't need to spend. If international VAT feels overwhelming, or if you're not sure whether you're doing it right, let's talk. A short conversation now can save you a lot of trouble later. ### Ready to talk? Book a free consultation and we'll come back to you within one working day to discuss your international VAT needs. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) ### Also worth considering - [Partial Exemption VAT Advice](/services/partial-exemption-vat-advice)→ - [VAT Health Checks](/services/vat-health-checks)→ - [VAT Deregistration](/services/vat-deregistration)→ ## From the blog [ ![Smiling woman points to a sheet titled "VAT Tracker" while talking with a client in a salon](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fwoman-holding-vat-tracker-salon.png%3Fv%3D1773236388760&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) ### Flat rate VAT vs standard VAT: which is better for your business? Flat Rate VAT or standard VAT? This plain English guide compares both schemes so you can work out which one saves your business more money. ](/blog/flat-rate-vat-vs-standard-vat)[ ![](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2FChatGPT%2520Image%2520Mar%252011%252C%25202026%252C%252002_00_13%2520PM.png%3Fv%3D1773237624762&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) ### What triggers an HMRC VAT investigation and how to reduce your risk Worried about an HMRC VAT investigation? Find out what triggers one, how far back HMRC can go, and the practical steps you can take to reduce your risk. ](/blog/what-triggers-hmrc-vat-investigation)[ ![Woman points to 'Common VAT Mistakes for Small Businesses' sheet while a man looks stressed, head in hand](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fwoman-pointing-vat-mistakes-stressed-man.png%3Fv%3D1773236388899&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) ### 9 VAT mistakes small businesses make (and how to fix them) From wrong VAT rates to missed reclaims, these are the most common VAT mistakes small businesses make and what to do if you have made one. ](/blog/common-vat-mistakes-small-businesses) ## You might also need VAT Services ### Flat Rate VAT Scheme Advice Understand whether the Flat Rate VAT Scheme will save you money. We compare it to standard VAT, confirm your sector rate, and set up smooth VAT returns. [Flat Rate VAT Scheme Advice→](/services/flat-rate-vat-scheme-advice) VAT Services ### Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT Stay compliant with Making Tax Digital for VAT. We set up your software or bridging, get your VAT records in order, and submit returns to HMRC on time. [Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT→](/services/making-tax-digital-mtd-for-vat) VAT Services ### VAT Returns VAT Returns prepared and filed with HMRC, with checks on your sales and expenses, MTD-compliant submission, and clear summaries so you know exactly what is due. [VAT Returns→](/services/vat-returns) VAT Services ### VAT Registration We handle your HMRC VAT registration, confirm the right registration date, and help you pick a VAT scheme so you can invoice correctly and stay compliant from day one. [VAT Registration→](/services/vat-registration) ## Before you get in touch Here are the questions we hear most often from businesses dealing with cross-border VAT. Do I need to charge UK VAT on services I supply to EU businesses? In most cases, no. For B2B services, the reverse charge applies, meaning your customer accounts for VAT in their own country. You invoice them without UK VAT, but you must confirm they've given you a valid VAT number. What if I'm supplying services to consumers overseas? The rules for B2C supplies are more complex and depend on the type of service and where your customer is based. We'll review your situation and advise on whether you need to charge VAT and where. Do I need to register for VAT in other countries? It depends on what you're supplying and to whom. Some services require overseas registration, others don't. We'll assess your activities and handle any registrations needed. How much does international VAT advice cost? We offer fixed fees for most international VAT work, including registrations and returns. After an initial free consultation, we'll quote you a clear price with no surprises. What happens if I've been getting it wrong? If you've charged the wrong VAT or missed returns, we'll help you put it right. That usually means a disclosure to HMRC, and we'll manage that process to minimise penalties and interest. Can you help if HMRC is investigating my VAT? Yes. We represent clients during HMRC inspections and investigations, providing documentation, explanations, and professional support throughout. Do you work with businesses outside Cardiff? Absolutely. While we're based in Cardiff and work with many South Wales businesses, we support clients across the UK who trade internationally. How quickly can you help if I have an urgent VAT issue? We aim to respond to new enquiries within one working day. For urgent compliance issues or HMRC deadlines, we'll prioritise your case and move quickly. ## Let's talk about your international VAT Book a free consultation and we'll explain exactly what you need to do, with no jargon and no obligation. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting)