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When do barristers need to account for VAT?

HMRC introduced special tax point rules for barristers after reaching an agreement with the Bar Council and Faculty of Advocates.

A tax point is the date when a business is required to account for VAT on a supply of goods and services. The business must ensure that VAT is accounted for on the VAT return covering the period in which the tax point occurred.

The tax point for a supply of professional services by a barrister is the earliest of:

1. •

   the date the barrister received a fee for the professional services rendered

2. •

   the date the barrister issued a VAT invoice for the professional services provided, or

3. •

   the date the barrister ceased to practice

   Please note that HMRC can grant permission to a barrister that ceases to trade to defer payment of