About Us

Getting your VAT right – that’s what we do

VAT can be complicated – we want to make it easy for our clients: and you want to ensure you get it right first time. You know that right first time saves you time and money in the long run. Or, as we say, ‘sooner is always better’.

Just as every property deal or other contract is unique, so is the way VAT will apply. It is best never to assume the answer. The only way to the best VAT answer is to start with what is happening and how it is being done. That’s where we can help – we find the answer for you.

AVS VAT was established to provide you with a proactive, professional and cost-effective service to handle anything to do with UK VAT. Quite simply we are VAT experts.

We were set up over 25 years’ ago by Melanie Lord, chartered tax advisor and former VAT inspector. We have been serving accountants, businesses and solicitors ever since.

Transparency, Honesty, Customer Service

Our job is to form a view and give you the best advice., or in other words, ‘what this means for you’. We will never just recite the rules. Transparency, honesty and outstanding customer service are our core values.

We know VAT inside out and will do a good job for you.

But… don’t just take our word for it, click here to see what our clients say about us.

Call our experts today on +44(0)1438 716 176 to discuss your VAT issues.

AVS VAT supports businesses, trust administrators, solicitors and accountants based both in the UK and abroad.

Our clients include property developers, UK and non-UK companies of all sizes, lawyers and accountants.

  • VAT advice of the highest quality offering a real alternative to the big firms.
  • A collaborative approach to developing commercial VAT strategies – from planning to implementation.
  • Help in all areas of indirect and direct tax via a network of Associates.
  • Reassurance that specialist VAT requirements are handled expertly and cost-effectively.

AVS VAT acts as UK VAT Agent for non-UK organisations that have be UK VAT registered using an MTD compliant system.

UK VAT registration could be needed if:

  • Owning goods or property in the UK.
  • Supplying & installing.
  • Distance selling to UK customers.
  • Digital services.

A UK VAT Agent needs to:

  • Meet all UK VAT obligations.
  • Deal with VAT Returns, Intrastat & ECSLs.
  • Arrange on-line submissions.
  • Liaise with HMRC; hande all queries, correspondence & inspections.

AVS VAT is a registered partnership CCS supplier under the new framework RM3820. 

The framework will be the recommended solution for all spend recovery and related services required by all UK public and third sector bodies, including central government, local authorities, health, police, fire and rescue, education, charities, housing associations and devolved administrations.

Working in partnership with the lead supplier Meridian, AVS VAT can supply services on LOT 6: VAT.

What our clients say:

“Melanie Lord is a very gifted specialist in VAT matters, and will if it is at all possible find a way out of difficulties, at a reasonable cost. Highly recommended.”
Les Breathwick, Commercial property client

The AVS VAT Team

We are proactive, thorough, and approachable. 

We can help with a myriad of VAT issues and will always seek the best outcome for you and your business.

Excellent customer service is incredibly important to us – our professional team will take time to listen and work with you every step of the way. 

Melanie Lord AVS VAT Specialists

Melanie Lord

Founder & VAT Specialist

Melanie loves unravelling VAT conundrums. She cuts through red tape and numbers to understand the real crux of VAT matters. Melanie works with clients across all business sectors and has specialist property and international VAT expertise. She’s a Chartered Tax Advisor and knows what clients really want – peace of mind and legal, low risk answers.

“Time with my sons, walking the dog, gardening, good food – both cooking and eating, conversation and good wine with friends and, of course, shoes.” She dislikes: “Waste, injustice, bad customer service, instant coffee and pears.”

Melanie started her VAT career with HM Customs & Excise. She then managed the North East VAT practice for a Big Four firm prior to starting AVS VAT in 1994. She has over 30 years of VAT experience – and still loves her job!

VAT & indirect tax advice generally; Support & VAT advice for commercial property lawyers, solicitors and accountants; Understanding issues, isolating VAT implications and finding commercial solutions; VAT & Property; Precious Metals; UK VAT registrations and Agency support for non-UK businesses.

Catherine Gearing

Tax Technician

Catherine has worn lots of different hats at AVS and is a really important member of the team.  Being ATT qualified she is now on well on her way to becoming a Chartered Tax Advisor. As well as overseeing our regulatory needs Catherine works on client VAT returns, data analysis, scheduling and a ton of other things.  She is resilient and determined and always gets to the end of even the messiest of jobs.

“Vegetables, photography, dogs, weaving, wooden boxes and mud.”  She dislikes: “Marzipan and Monopoly.”

Catherine originally went to acting school before managing a landscaping business and later a bespoke picture framing business.  An interest in Ayurvedic medicine took her to study in India learning all manner of skills as she went along.   On her return she started to work as a bookkeeper and administrator until she had her VAT calling. 

VAT & indirect tax advice including research for relevant case law, HMRC policy and practice, ongoing input to compliance work and VAT return preparation.

Lucy Perkins AVS VAT

Lucy Perkins

Administrator

In charge of back office and making sure all our systems and procedures do what they need to do.

“My family, dogs, running, country walks, singing in the kitchen.  I dislike people with bad manners, fish (yuk!) and COVID!”

Lucy worked within various industries as an Administrator, and has also spent several highly enjoyable years being a dog trainer.

Business Administration, advanced Microsoft Word & Excel, all of the AVS system applications.

Alfie

DOG

“Playing ball and has a collection of toys – all his Christmas presents – which he carries around and never damages.”

Woof

Call us now on +44 (0) 1438 716 176

Or by email to melanie.lord@avsvat.com for an introductory, no obligation discussion

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