VAT invoice name & dress

[topmanfungai]

Hello all.

These are probably very simple questions for most on this forum, but would just like clarification:

1) One owns company 'ABC Ltd'. Does it matter if some supplier invoices have been made out to 'ABC' (missing the word 'ltd' or limited') on the VAT invoice for ABC Ltd to reclaim the input VAT?

2) When a supplier issues a VAT invoice to ABC Ltd, does it matter if the company address on the supplier's invoice is the registered office address or the trading address of ABC Ltd for the purposes of ABC Ltd reclaiming the input VAT? Can the invoice state either address for ABC Ltd?

Hope this makes sense. Just a couple of very minor points but not sure how petty the HMRC are.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

*Edit - should read 'address' in title.

 

[Scalloway]

If all that is omitted is "Ltd" then I think it would be ok. As both addresses are associated with the company either should be ok.

 

[topmanfungai]

Thanks for your insight, Scalloway. Much appreciated.

 

[DavidWH]

A solicitor I know say's it's always best to put ABC Ltd, or Mr Bloggs T/A ABC etc.

If it comes to taking the customer to court for non payment, it then cannot be argued that the invoice was to someone else etc.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

One of the criteria of a valid VAT invoice is that it must show the customers name or trading name and address - if the company name is ABC Ltd that is strictly what should be shown on the invoice.

I haven't yet seen it done but I suspect a fussy VAT inspector could deny a claim for VAT if the invoice only shows ABC.

I think SSP Sign and Print made a good point above too.

 

[David Griffiths]

But it's pretty well odds on that ABC would be a trading name of ABC Limited. I can't imagine that's going to cause any sort of issue

 

[topmanfungai]

Thanks for everyone's input. The general consensus seems to be it's best for the the word 'Ltd' to be included, but likely not necessary. As for the address of ABC Ltd, suppliers can make invoices out to either the registered office or trading address of ABC Ltd. Neither seem to be a problem, but is one recommended over the other?

 

[David Griffiths]

The business address is recommended. It's the address that HMRC will be holding for VAT, but if the registered office is a different address invoices and statements can be delayed before getting through to you

 

[Comedora]

VAT regulations require a full company name to be shown on VAT invoices. So if you are a limited company then it’s a part of your full name by the law. The Companies Regulations 2008 also requires registered office address to be shown on all company’s invoices and orders, but I was told by VAT tech. dept. that they want VAT registered address to be used and if it is different to the registered office address they can change it if you ask. The HMRC position is confusing and does not make much sense to me. I would be interested to hear if there is such a VAT rule stating this in written format as so far I came only across the requirement to state the company address. Which address it does not specify.

 

[David Griffiths]

VAT regulations require a full company name to be shown on VAT invoices. So if you are a limited company then it’s a part of your full name by the law. The Companies Regulations 2008 also requires registered office address to be shown on all company’s invoices and orders, but I was told by VAT tech. dept. that they want VAT registered address to be used and if it is different to the registered office address they can change it if you ask. The HMRC position is confusing and does not make much sense to me. I would be interested to hear if there is such a VAT rule stating this in written format as so far I came only across the requirement to state the company address. Which address it does not specify.

That relates to invoices that are sent out

The OP's question, as I read it, relates to invoices that are received from suppliers

 

[Comedora]

Orders too. Subsequently supplier will issue an invoice with details from your order...

 

[topmanfungai]

Thanks again for everyone's help. The HMRC websites simply states the supplier should invoice to the customer's address but doesn't make it clear if the customer's trading/office address is required, so will assume either are OK as both are associated with the company. As David notes, I thinks it's probably best to use the address HMRC have for VAT, but no definitive requirement as far as I can find.

As far as the word 'ltd' is concerned, again the consensus seem to be it's recommended but likely not necessary assuming a small amount of common sense is applied. I guess as long as HMRC are confident the supplied goods have been purchased by and used solely by the company it should be OK.

Appreciate the time taken to answer my query.