Anyone have any experience of VAT paid for conferences abroad?

I'm just wondering if I can claim back/not pay UK VAT for the SES conference next month?

I know if it was a good imported to here form UK then it would be VAT exempt, just not sure about services consumed in the UK.

Cheers

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I don't think so because the service would effectively be consumed in the UK and would therefore be just like VAT on any other purchase in the UK. However it is still a legitimate business expense. If you supply an Irish VAT number when booking, it may mean that you don't have to pay UK VAT but I am not sure about this. Best thing would be to ask your accountant or local VAT office.

Regards...jmcc

As jmcc said ...

I'd contact the organisers in advance and supply the Irish VAT details...

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Thanks both - I will give the revenue a shout today.

I did ask the organisers, but they're American and sent me a response about filling some document at the airport. I'm pretty sure that's only for physical goods though...

Anyhow booked now, so if I can claim back anything it will be a bonus

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I know this thread is quite old but this might help some - all vat paid outside of your own country can be reclaimed if you are registered for vat within your own country - if you are based outside of the eu details are a bit different.

I have used a company Global Tax Reclaim in Ireland - hope this is okay and not considered ads - VAT Reclaim, VAT Rebate Specialists - Global Tax Reclaim, Welcome - and they work on a commission basis so no vat back no fee - just the way I like it.

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My understanding is that this depends on where you consume the service - I don't think you can actually reclaim the VAT on conferences you attend outside Ireland.

If you experienced otherwise I'd be interested to hear?

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If you are registered for VAT in Ireland it works like this:

1) If you purchase goods / services in the UK that get shipped out of the UK, you do not pay VAT at time of purchase (as long as you quote your Irish VAT number at point of order).

2) If you purchase goods / services in the UK that get used / consumed in the UK, you must pay VAT at time of transaction.

However you can then apply for a VAT refund through the Irish revenue / UK revenue - its done outside your normal Irish VAT returns system and some paperwork needs to be completed.

Your accountant should be well clued into what exact forms need to be completed.

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I am absolutely sure - if you are registered for vat you can claim vat paid for goods and services outside of your own country - see the link I put up they have all the info there and as I said they charge a percentage once they get the money back, so no outlay - the way to go in my mind.

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