Starting a business that needs to import services or goods into the UK can be tough in these competitive times but knowing the range of eu countries which observe vat can help save money Http://www.vatcontrol.com/vat/. You may definitely be able to track tax systems that are similar to your own while also claiming vat refunds for previously paid vat abroad.
There are several countries in the eu which follow the system of vat. Even though the language used in the vat invoice might differ in addition to vat rates, the system followed is virtually exactly the same Vatcontrol.com/vat/. The list of countries within the EU that have adopted the system of vat are Estonia, Denmark, Bulgaria, Ireland, Latvia, Poland, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, Hungary, Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Slovenia, Austria, Netherlands, Greece, Germany, France, Romania, Malta, Lithuania, and Cyprus. Some territories in this list of eu countries have however opted to remain out from the vat gambit. You can visit the hmrc vat or hm revenue and customs website to read about such territories.
One major advantage you have when importing goods from such eu countries is any vat which you may have paid in a particular country may be refunded to your account by that country when you apply for a vat reclaim. This procedure can be handled by an expert vat agent who has offices in the UK as well as in other countries from where your imports take place 
. In addition, if you have attended trade events in a eu country and have paid vat for the very same then such vat amounts can also be recovered back. This vat refund can surely help shore up your business net profit while suitably lowering your product costs.
If you hire a specialist vat, customs duties, and excise duties agent then that agent will also help calculate sales vat rates as well as file your vat returns in the stipulated time frame. Vat rates in the UK range between 17.5% for standard vat rates to 5% for reduced vat rates to zero vat rates for specific services and products. There are also specific products and services that are vat exempt. The hmrc website provides a detailed list of such services and products that are put into 14,000 classifications.
In order to claim a vat refund you will have to preserve and submit all original vat documents together with your vat certificate too. While procedures and language in various countries might pose problems, a vat agent amply trained in several vat systems must be able to recover your hard earned cash back into your bank account. Additionally, there are different time limits within eu countries for filing for a vat reclaim and thus having an in-depth knowledge of eu vat and uk vat rules will definitely provide a distinct advantage to both you and your business.
If you want to import services or goods into the UK then opting for eu countries that follow vat would offer several distinct advantages. Knowing the list of eu countries that follow vat will help save money as well as offer simplicity of operation because the system for paying and collecting vat would be the same in all these countries.