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Omg fraud??
 

Hi, I've been selling in the UK and all my sales automatically get charged for VAT by the site.

I use aliexpress which still charges me VAT but it seems I can upgrade my account to a business buyer account and get VAT exempt. They require VAT number and business name.

My sourcing agent does not charge me any VAT and all parcels clear customs without issues.

My issue is I've tried applying for a VAT number with HMRC but they seem to want so much extra information from me and I might still get rejected.

Hypothetically what would happen if I supplied a VAT number and business name from a random ebay store to aliexpress? I don't believe aliexpress has any communication to HRMC in terms of business buyer accounts and information maybe I'm wrong.

I know it's wrong but what is the worst thing that could happen?

Re: Omg fraud??
 

it is the foreign item location which is the problem , you want to avoid VAT without registering for VAT then you have to stay below the threshold and import all items first and send them to customer from the UK

with aliexpress you can probably register with any details you like

Re: Omg fraud??
 

I tested it on Alibaba, the system automatically verifies the information against the HMRC website. No documentation requested. It's not charging VAT on checkout now.

I'm still scared 😂

Re: Omg fraud??
 

Welcome to the forum OP - all the best as you master stealth :thumb: