Potential VAT Refund Fraud – Are Your Bank Details Correct?

BLOG23rd Apr 2024

By Alistair Duncan

Alistair Duncan, Indirect Tax Partner, professional headshot

Contact Alistair Duncan

or reach out to a member of our Tax Investigations, International, VAT & Customs team.

We have been alerted to a number of cases where taxpayers’ bank account details have been amended without their knowledge.  This fraud involves the submission of a letter or form VAT 484 purporting to be from the taxpayer requesting that their bank details be changed. In a number of cases, HMRC has actioned the change and simply issued the taxpayer with a letter confirming that their details have been updated.

We would urge clients to be vigilant and check that their details on the HMRC portal are correct.  If you receive an unexpected notification of a change in your details or if you will shortly be submitting a VAT return showing a refund due from HMRC, we recommend that you check that your bank details are correct on the HMRC portal.

If you have any concerns, please contact HMRC, Alistair Duncan, or your usual AAB Contact as soon as possible.

How AAB can help you with

VAT & Customs

VAT is increasingly complex and impacts all aspects of your business. We can provide VAT advice to unravel complexity, help ensure compliance and make sure you pay no more VAT, Customs Duty, Excise Duties and various environmental taxes than necessary. Our team’s specialist skills have been acquired through supporting numerous clients, and working in HMRC and private industry. We provide comprehensive VAT advice and indirect tax services and, whether it’s compliance matters or complex restructuring, we’ll support you with practical, tailored solutions.

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