Spring 2011 Newsletter Content Leading article... Anything up his sleeve? General tax... Relaxed association File under 'e' Research costs? Give early A tax on houses Pension changes Holiday entitlement EISy money VAT... 20:20 vision Horses for courses? Do it yourself That's entertainment All in the contract? Where am I? Law items... What's in a title? The privileged few Called to account Don't mince words

Do it yourself New houses are zero-rated for VAT. That means that the builder can get back the VAT on the bricks and mortar, and doesn't have to charge the customer anything. If you have a piece of land and you decide to build your own house, there's a scheme that's supposed to put you in the same position. You can get workmen to supply construction services VAT-free – legally, not as a dodgy cash deal – and you can claim back the VAT on the materials from HMRC. The problem is that there are a lot of conditions for the claim. Dozens of HMRC's refusals to pay end up in the tax tribunal, and there must be many more where the claimant gives up sooner. Building your own house is a long and stressful business, and finding out at the end that you won't get the VAT refund you budgeted for must be maddening. Part of the problem is that DIY builders are not in business and they may not be used to reading VAT rules or filling in VAT forms. If you are thinking of this kind of project, it's worth making sure that you understand all the rules. We'll be happy to advise you.