VAT

Explore all the courses, articles, resources and support Mercia can offer Accountants navigating the complex world of VAT.

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Featured Course

VAT Issues for Accounts Staff

The aim of the course is to ensure that participants can deal confidently with day-to-day VAT issues. Through the use of case studies and quizzes, the course highlights some of the key areas accountants get wrong when completing or reviewing their clients’ VAT records.

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Meet The Team

James Hurst

James is Mercia’s VAT trainer and consultant. He uses his specialist knowledge to write technical materials and in devising, and delivering, VAT training courses. In a varied career working in practice James held VAT partner roles at two national accountancy firms.

A specialist in VAT and indirect tax, James began his VAT career with HM Customs & Excise (as it then was) before moving to the private sector in 1995 and gaining his CTA qualification.

Prior to joining Mercia James held VAT Partner and Head of VAT roles in large accountancy firms.

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Explore our VAT Courses

VAT - Cross Border Trading

This course covers the VAT implications of buying and selling goods and services across borders and addresses common errors and missed opportunities in VAT accounting in this area.

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VAT - Dealing with Land and Property

VAT is at the best of times illogical and confusing and never more so than in the realms of land and property.

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VAT - Autumn Update

This course provides an update on important changes in VAT in the preceding six months and an outline of any significant forthcoming developments.

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Annual CPD Courses

View our VAT - Annual CPD Courses

VAT Courses

Back to Basics CPD

View our VAT - Back to Basics CPD

Back to Basics CPD

Early Careers Courses

View our VAT - Early Careers Courses

Early Careers Courses

Related Insights

Image related to The great M&S sandwich VAT debate

The great M&S sandwich VAT debate

As someone about to notch up 35 years of working in VAT, I am always amused when a VAT-related story breaks through into the wider national consciousness. Yes, sometimes this involves a weighty matter such as the introduction of VAT on private school fees; but more often than not the news media pick up on a story with a VAT angle that provokes a mild amusement.
Image related to DCPUs: What You Need to Know for 2025/26

DCPUs: What You Need to Know for 2025/26

From April 2025, changes to the tax treatment of vans and double cab pick-ups (DCPUs) will come into effect. The van benefit charge and fuel benefit charge will increase, while new rules will see certain DCPUs reclassified for tax purposes. HMRC has issued guidance on these changes, below is a summary of the key updates and their impact.
Image related to Introduction of VAT on private school fees

Introduction of VAT on private school fees

Following months of speculation regarding the precise form of its new policy the government has published detailed proposals for the introduction of VAT on private school fees for school terms beginning on or after 1 January 2025.