VATAC6300 | Missing trader VAT fraud: cases suitable for change of stagger or refusal of monthly returns

For a case to be suitable, you must be satisfied that:

• There is evidence that the trader is involved in supplies that can be traced back to a missing or hijacked trader registration number earlier in the supply chain; and

• There are hallmarks of an abusive or careless attitude to the risks presented by the trade. See VATAC6400.

These conditions do not amount to a requirement that the trader must be knowingly involved in a fraud or in a suspect chain of transactions. But they do require that there are factors present in the particular case which will justify the use of the discretion. Operating in a sector that has a history of involvement in missing trader VAT fraud chains is not in itself sufficient to require a change of stagger or to refuse monthly returns.