From the AutoVAT team
Practical guides, tips and news for UK dealers using the VAT Margin Scheme.
The VAT Margin Scheme saves most second-hand dealers significant VAT — but it comes with record-keeping obligations. Here's an honest look at the pros, cons, and when it genuinely makes sense.
The latest UK minimum wage rates from April 2026 — National Living Wage, apprentice rates, annual salary equivalents, and what employers must do to stay compliant with HMRC.
Every key UK tax deadline for 2026 — Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT returns, and payment on account dates — so small businesses and sole traders never miss a date.
Wondering how VAT is calculated under the margin scheme? This guide explains the formula with worked examples so you know exactly what you'll owe on each sale.
Selling refurbished phones, laptops or second-hand gadgets in the UK? The VAT Margin Scheme can significantly reduce your VAT bill. Here's how it works for electronics dealers.
The VAT Margin Scheme and standard VAT accounting work very differently. Here's a clear comparison to help second-hand dealers understand which suits their business.
A clear explanation of how the VAT Margin Scheme actually works — the maths, the logic behind it, worked examples, and why HMRC designed it this way for second-hand dealers.
Using WooCommerce to sell second-hand goods in the UK? Standard WooCommerce VAT settings are wrong for Margin Scheme dealers. Here's how to set it up correctly.
An HMRC VAT inspection is stressful if you're unprepared. For margin scheme sellers, here's exactly what inspectors look for and how to make sure your records stand up.
Step-by-step guide to registering a limited company in the UK — whether to go direct to Companies House or use a formation agent like Tide, and what each option costs.
Comparing the best UK business bank accounts for small businesses and sole traders in 2026 — free options, features, accounting integrations, and what dealers should look for.
Many second-hand dealers wonder whether they still need an accountant once they have dedicated margin scheme software. Here's an honest answer.
The UK VAT registration threshold is £90,000. Find out when you must register, when it pays to register voluntarily, key deadlines, and how to register with HMRC.
Your business sends VAT to HMRC — but that doesn't mean your business pays it. VAT is always paid by the end customer. Here's how and why the system works this way.
Making Tax Digital for VAT applies to all VAT-registered businesses, including margin scheme sellers. Here's what it means in practice — and how AutoVAT keeps you compliant.
Sell an item for less than you paid? Under the VAT Margin Scheme you owe zero VAT on losses and break-even sales. Here's exactly how it works — and the rules around it.
Thinking about your business structure as a second-hand goods dealer? Here's how sole trader and limited company compare on tax, VAT, liability, and admin.
Under the VAT Margin Scheme, you can use global or individual accounting. Learn the difference, which suits your business, and the risks of choosing wrong.
QuickBooks is a popular accounting tool in the UK, but it has no native support for the VAT Margin Scheme. Here's how AutoVAT fills that gap and integrates with QuickBooks.
Selling second-hand goods on Vinted, Depop, or Facebook Marketplace as a VAT-registered business? Here's how the VAT Margin Scheme applies to marketplace sales.
A step-by-step guide to completing your HMRC VAT Margin Scheme return — what figures go where, key deadlines, and what to do if you make a mistake.
HMRC has specific record-keeping requirements for margin scheme dealers. This guide covers exactly what your stock book must contain — and how to keep it inspection-ready.
Antique and collectible dealers can save significant VAT by using HMRC's Margin Scheme. Learn what qualifies, what records you need, and common pitfalls.
Part-exchange deals are common in motor trade and second-hand retail. Here's how to record them correctly under the VAT Margin Scheme and avoid costly mistakes.
Second-hand car dealers are among the biggest users of the VAT Margin Scheme. This guide covers everything specific to the motor trade.
A common question from margin scheme dealers: can you reclaim the VAT on repairs, cleaning, or reconditioning costs? The HMRC rules are clear — here's what they say.
Not every second-hand item qualifies for the VAT Margin Scheme. Learn exactly what HMRC counts as an eligible purchase and what disqualifies a stock item.
Xero is excellent general accounting software — but it has no built-in support for the VAT Margin Scheme. Here's why dedicated tools exist.
Learn how AutoVAT integrates with your eBay seller account to automatically pull sales and purchases into your VAT Margin Scheme stock book.
From mixing margin and standard-rated stock to poor record keeping — here are the five mistakes that most often land dealers in trouble with HMRC.
A plain-English guide to HMRC's VAT Margin Scheme — who it's for, how it works, and why it saves second-hand dealers significant tax.