Experience the difference

Assisting your academy be it a school or college with specialist VAT advice

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Independent, leading accountants in Hampshire
Trusted, experienced business advisers

One of the region’s largest independent firms of Chartered Accountants, we are renowned as quality business advisers with commercial edge.

Our aim is to become an objective, specialist addition to your team delivering intelligent, proactive, tailored, commercial solutions to add value to your business.

Industry-leading accounting and taxation advice is delivered through a wide range of advisory services. Specialist company and personal tax planning, corporate finance, payroll, human resources, IT and strategic. All tailored to meet your needs to offer a fresh approach to your business.

Based in Chandlers Ford near Southampton in Hampshire, we have a long-standing pedigree going back more than three decades. But the future is our focus - for our own business and for yours. Call us now to find out how our independent, commercial advisers can make a difference.

Leading Accountants for Academies, Academy VAT

Dedicated information for Academy Schools and Colleges

Independent, leading accountants in Hampshire
Trusted, experienced business advisers

One of the region’s largest independent firms of Chartered Accountants, we are renowned as quality business advisers with commercial edge.

Our aim is to become an objective, specialist addition to your team delivering intelligent, proactive, tailored, commercial solutions to add value to your business.

Industry-leading accounting and taxation advice is delivered through a wide range of advisory services. Specialist company and personal tax planning, corporate finance, payroll, human resources, IT and strategic. All tailored to meet your needs to offer a fresh approach to your business.

Based in Chandlers Ford near Southampton in Hampshire, we have a long-standing pedigree going back more than three decades. But the future is our focus - for our own business and for yours. Call us now to find out how our independent, commercial advisers can make a difference.

We know how easy it can be to get lost in the VAT maze and our website has been specifically designed to help you through it! With our experience as leading Accountants for Academies advising on treatment of VAT we are able to answer questions that you may have regarding your academy.

Our website is an easy to use guide which is packed with valuable information and expert guidance about registration and the rules which apply to everyday transactions in your academy.

We are now seeing Colleges converting to Academy status and therefore this website is equally applicable to colleges and schools.

Independent, leading accountants in Hampshire
Trusted, experienced business advisers

One of the region’s largest independent firms of Chartered Accountants, we are renowned as quality business advisers with commercial edge.

Our aim is to become an objective, specialist addition to your team delivering intelligent, proactive, tailored, commercial solutions to add value to your business.

Industry-leading accounting and taxation advice is delivered through a wide range of advisory services. Specialist company and personal tax planning, corporate finance, payroll, human resources, IT and strategic. All tailored to meet your needs to offer a fresh approach to your business.

Based in Chandlers Ford near Southampton in Hampshire, we have a long-standing pedigree going back more than three decades. But the future is our focus - for our own business and for yours. Call us now to find out how our independent, commercial advisers can make a difference.

Here's what we can assist you with:

  • The treatment for numerous different transactions
  • Information on the different ways an academy can be structured and organised
  • Inform whether it is desirable (or necessary!) to register for VAT
  • Reclaiming the correct amount of VAT on costs
  • The VAT recoverable using voluntary claim Forms VAT126
  • Planning ideas to help improve recovery of VAT

Background

Get to know the background to VAT and how it impacts academies and colleges.

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VAT Rules

Understand the VAT rules that apply to academies.

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VAT Treatment

Learn how to apply VAT treatment to different school and college activities.

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Subscribe

Subscribe now for full access to Academy VAT guidance.

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Academy Accounting means adapting to a new accounting and financial reporting regime and dealing with the requirements of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) which can be daunting. Our specialist Academy Accountants are here to guide you through it.

What our clients say

In all their dealings with Eggar’s School, we have found HWB staff to be very professional, knowledgeable and approachable. They do an excellent job of keeping us informed as they are always at the end of the phone, host regular School Business Manager meetings, send out EFSA Updates and have set up this VAT web advice link, which is very user friendly.

Eggars New

Alan Rolfe has assisted efficiently on any VAT queries, with clear and concise advice, especially with unusual aspects of VAT. i.e. Invoicing for Head Teacher secondment.

Amery Hill

Alan Rolfe, as with all the staff from HWB, are always extremely friendly and helpful, and provide an excellent service.

SFreemantle School

Latest Feeds

Why an external payroll review matters more than everArguably, the most important aspect of any company is its payroll. If employees are not receiving their pay in an accurate and timely manner, their productivity levels will falter, negatively impacting the business as a whole.Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio.

Women in business brunch: Susan Wooding and Amanda Cooley were delighted to attend the recent Women in Business Brunch hosted by the Romsey & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry at @Ampfield Golf & Country Club .The event brought together local female professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs for a morning of networking, knowledge sharing and meaningful conversations. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships within the local business community.Thank you to the organisers and everyone who attended for creating such a welcoming and engaging event.

Quarterly lunch club: Director Michaela Johns recently attended the Quantuma Quarterly Lunch at Carnicero Steakhouse Restaurant & Bar in Southampton.The event provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with professionals from across the business, exchange insights, and enjoy some excellent food in a great setting.Thank you to everyone involved for such an enjoyable afternoon.

NET RESULT: An HWB team took part in the Venture & Barclays Netball Tournament at Southampton Outdoor Sports CentreDespite some of our team being a little unfamiliar with the rules of netball, everyone gave it their all and played brilliantly throughout the tournament.It was a great opportunity to get together, enjoy some friendly competition, and support a fantastic event.A special thank you to HWB Director Michaela Johns for umpiring and helping make the tournament run so smoothly.And of course, thank you to everyone from HWB who took part and represented the firm so well.We're already looking forward to the next one!

VAT - Capital Goods Scheme threshold increasedLegislation has now been passed to increase the VAT Capital Goods Scheme (CGS) threshold from £250,000 to £600,000 plus VAT. Although the measure was originally announced in April 2025, the change applies only to transactions taking place on or after 29 July 2026.Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio.

HMRC is watching youCompanies and individuals that are careless or deliberately non-compliant, in their tax affairs need to watch out.Read the full article by clicking the link in bio.

This October, our team is supporting @sophies_legacy with a crisp collection campaign aimed at helping the children and families the charity supports.The charity gets through a massive 1,500 packets of crisps every week, so we are encouraging our staff, clients and contacts to help the charity by donating these well loved snacks throughout the month!We're challenging ourselves to fill our giant collection tube from top to bottom before the end of the month, and we'd love for you to join us on the journey!  Any donations will be greatfully received and can be brought to our Chandlers Ford office.A huge thank you in advance to everyone who donates and helps spread the word.

Directors Lunch: Director Michaela Johns recently attended the Directors Lunch at the Captains Club, Christchurch, hosted by Dorset Chamber.She enjoyed meeting a range of inspiring business leaders and making valuable new connections.The insights and experiences of guest speaker, the highly experienced aviation professional and leader Spike Jepson MBE, were both motivating and thought-provoking.Thank you to @dorsetchamber for another excellent networking event.