Centurion VAT

Andrea and the team at Centurion are second to none when it comes to VAT expertise. We did not hesitate to instruct them in a recent cash recovery for a key client of ours, of significant amounts of VAT. Our client had previously instructed a barrister, amongst others, who had failed to recover any sums due and are now delighted at the result we were able to obtain for them by thinking outside the legal box and bringing in Centurion’s expertise & professionalism. We do not hesitate to recommend them.

Our client was issued VAT assessments for £1.4m based on HMRC’s argument that VAT invoices received were invalid and therefore input tax claimed on them was denied. I appealed against the assessments and requested a formal review. At that point I contacted Liz at Centurion for further advice as it was imperative that the right approach was made to the review. Liz reviewed the paperwork and assisted me with putting together a submission which included the fact that our client had provided alternative evidence to support their claims for the input tax in question. The review concluded that this alternative evidence was not given due consideration by HMRC and as a consequence the assessments were cancelled. I am extremely grateful for Liz’ assistance in directing me in this matter as if the assessments were upheld by the reviewer then it is unlikely that the business would survive and many jobs could be lost in the process.

Centurion have supported the University for over 20 years. Centurion provide us with day-to-day support, training, and specialist advice including on complex projects, demonstrating their incredible knowledge of the sector. Louise and the team worked with us on our campus development, achieving significant VAT savings. The expertise of Centurion has been recognised by HMRC in recent University audits. Centurion are always at the end of the phone and we know we are always talking to friendly experts who are able to explain even the most technical information in basic terms.

We first contacted Centurion in 2007 and appointed them to provide VAT training. Since then they have provided VAT advice on a number of key issues specific to FE colleges plus further training to staff. I have always found them responsive, professional and easy to deal with.

I am very pleased with the service we receive from Centurion VAT. Julie and the team are very knowledgeable and very responsive when we have queries. As well as day to day support, we pull on Centurion for specific work and have been very happy with the advice and help given. For example, we have recently updated our Partial Exemption Special Method, and structured a VAT efficient joint venture arrangement. The input and support we received was first rate.

Our VAT liability is not easy as it includes the standard method, partial exemption method and a special method but I am so delighted that we have Centurion as our VAT advisors to help us. I have been working with Centurion for a number of years and rely on them for VAT advice for both every day operational matters and complex projects. My usual contact is Julie and who I meet every quarter before the VAT return is prepared. I also contact Julie with ad hoc queries, and she is very knowledgeable, gives practical advice and is extremely responsive with her reply. The staff at Centurion can explain complex VAT regulations in a way that is easy to understand and follow. After my discussions and emails with Julie I am confident and easily able to report back to the Finance Director and Executive Team. Centurion also provide valuable VAT training for our staff, not just for the finance team but also for the development team which is always well received.

‘We have found the in-depth technical knowledge that the team at Centurion have is always combined with a pragmatic and practical approach to dealing with issues. This really helps us provide great solutions for our clients.’

Thank you for the clear and informative training about the domestic reverse charge for construction VAT. We appreciated the practical guidance given alongside the technical references. This has helped us put it into practice much more quickly than having to read all the HMRC guidance without any support and still have confidence that we are compliant.

St David’s Hospice needed VAT advice on a new project. I was so pleased when I rang Centurion, immediately spoke to Julie who grasped the situation quickly and efficiently. She came to see me within a couple of days and has given excellent advice and support, through what was a complex situation for us. We are now working together to gain further advice on issues that affect us as a charity. I have also been pleased to recommend Centurion to other Hospice CEO’s.