VAT Health Checks
We review your VAT systems, records and compliance processes to spot risks before HMRC does. Serving small businesses and sole traders across Cardiff and South Wales with proactive, practical advice that keeps you out of trouble.
What we cover
A thorough VAT Health Check looks at every part of your VAT compliance, from the schemes you're using to how you record transactions. We tailor our review to your business and flag what matters most.
VAT Scheme Assessment
Making sure you're on the right scheme for your business, whether that's cash accounting, flat rate or standard.
Recovery and Reliefs Review
Checking you're claiming back everything you're entitled to and maximising available reliefs.
Partial Exemption Analysis
Reviewing your partial exemption calculations and methods to ensure accuracy and optimisation.
Spotting problems before they find you
A VAT Health Check is a detailed review of how you handle VAT across your business. We look at your returns, your record-keeping, the way you treat different supplies, and whether the scheme you're using still makes sense. It's about making sure everything stands up to scrutiny and finding opportunities to improve along the way.
Most businesses come to us because they want peace of mind, or because something feels off but they're not sure what. Others are preparing for growth, bringing on investors, or simply haven't had their VAT processes looked at in years. Whatever the reason, a health check gives you a clear picture of where you stand.
We review your VAT through HMRC's eyes so you can fix issues on your terms, not theirs.
More information
We start with a conversation about your business. What you sell, how you invoice, whether you handle exempt or zero-rated supplies, any property transactions, overseas trade. That helps us focus the review on the areas that actually matter to you. Then we go through your VAT workings, your software setup, how you treat partial exemption if it applies, and whether you're using the right reliefs.
What's included
- Assessment of VAT liability across your product or service range
- Review of input VAT recovery procedures and common errors
- Check that your current VAT scheme suits your turnover and cash flow
- Evaluation of partial exemption methods if relevant
- Identification of compliance risks and missed savings
- A clear, prioritised report with practical next steps
The result is a bullet-pointed report that sets out any concerns, highlights opportunities, and tells you exactly what to do next. No jargon, no vague recommendations. Just a straightforward action plan you can work through with our support or on your own.
Why it matters now
HMRC scrutiny has increased across the board, and VAT errors can be expensive. Penalties, interest and back-payments add up quickly, especially if a problem has been rolling forward across multiple quarters. A health check helps you get ahead of that. It also strengthens your position if you do get selected for an inspection, because you can show you've been proactive about compliance.
For Cardiff and South Wales businesses, we're seeing more enquiries in sectors like hospitality, retail and trades, where the line between standard-rated, reduced-rated and exempt supplies can get blurred. If you've recently changed what you sell, moved premises, or started trading internationally, it's worth a review.
We handle the technical side, explain what we find in plain English, and help you put the fixes in place. Whether that means adjusting your bookkeeping routine, switching schemes, or just confirming you're doing everything right, you'll finish the process with clarity and confidence.
From the blog
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.
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.
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.
You might also need
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→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→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→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→Before you book
These are the questions we hear most often about VAT Health Checks for small businesses in Cardiff and South Wales.
How long does a VAT Health Check take?
Do you need to visit our premises?
What happens if you find errors?
Will this trigger an HMRC inspection?
How much does a VAT Health Check cost?
Do I need to be worried about my VAT to book a health check?
Can you help us implement the recommendations?
How often should we have a VAT Health Check?
Let's talk about your VAT compliance
Book a free consultation and we'll discuss whether a health check makes sense for your business right now.
Book a free consultation