TBA Global is renowned for providing extensive compliance services across the world – whether you are looking to trade in the EU, UK, or other major marketplaces such as the US and Canada, we’ve got you covered!  

Why should you transfer your VAT registration?

Dealing with international taxation can be a difficult process for many businesses looking to expand into new markets.  

If you already have VAT registration numbers in regions where we offer support, you can easily appoint TBA Global as your tax representative – we can submit a transfer application on your behalf.  

Once you have successfully appointed us as your tax representative, we can:

• Calculate your VAT liability quickly and accurately
• Submit your VAT returns as required by the tax authority
• Help your business comply with any ongoing obligations
• Proactively manage any compliance risks or regulatory changes

And don’t forget – if you don’t already have a VAT registration to transfer to us, we can help you apply for a new one!

Transferring your German VAT number

In order to transfer an existing German VAT registration number, we’ll need some basic information from you to proceed.  This includes:

• Company/business registration certificate
• Legal representative (e.g. director) ID
• Tax Identification Number (Steuernummer) certificate
• VAT registration certificate (VAT number with ‘DE’ prefix)
• Current filing frequency
• Last VAT return filed

Transferring your UK VAT number

In order to transfer an existing UK VAT registration number, we’ll need some basic information from you to proceed.  This includes:

• Company/business registration certificate
• Legal representative (e.g. director) ID
• VAT registration certificate
• Current filing frequency
• Last VAT return filed

During the transfer process, you must also indicate whether you are currently on the Flat Rate Scheme (FRS).  If you are, you must provide your FRS enrolment certificate.  You may also opt-in or opt-out during the transfer process.

In order to facilitate the transfer process, you will also need to authorise TBA Global via MTD (Making Tax Digital).  

You can authorise us via MTD by logging into your UK Government Gateway account, and using the personalised authorisation link which we provide during the transfer application process.

If you do not already have a Government Gateway account, our registration team can help assist with the setup process.

Completing the transfer process

Once you have provided the necessary documents, our registration team will review them to ensure that they are suitable for submission.  We will then submit the request to the relevant tax authority for processing.

How long does it take to complete the transfer process?

This is dependent on the tax authority, but will usually take around 2-3 months for both Germany and the UK.  However, please note that all applications are assessed by the tax authority on an individual basis, and lead times may vary.   

If the tax authority raises any issues, we will let you know accordingly and provide further guidance on how to proceed.

What happens after the transfer is completed?

Once your transfer is completed, we will get in touch with you to prepare for your first filing under our services.  

This will usually be based on the information which you provided during the transfer process.  

What if there are any changes to my filing frequency?

German VAT filing frequencies are subject to an annual review at the end of each calendar year.  

If you complete the transfer process during the review period, we may need to proactively submit monthly VAT returns to validate your actual filing frequency.  Once we have been able to confirm, we can then revert to your assigned frequency.  

UK VAT filing frequencies are usually pre-assigned by HMRC and will not change when you appoint a new tax representative, unless specifically requested.

Ongoing compliance with TBA Global

We have helped thousands of businesses expand internationally, and we are here to help you too.  Whether you need VAT, EPR, product testing or even trademarking support, we’ve got you covered.  

TBA Global is your one-stop-shop for compliance solutions – get in touch with us at info@tbaglobal.com for a free one-to-one consultation.