VAT on Local Authority CON29 fees will be introduced on 1st January 2017
After many years of discussions on this matter, HM Revenue and Customs have commanded that VAT charges to Local Authority CON29 searches will take effect from January 1st 2017.
This is the third time in just 12 months that these charges have been proposed. However as a result of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s continuous lobbying, these changes have previously been deferred.
As well as this leading to a slight increase in costs due to the VAT element, conveyancing solicitors should bear in mind that Local Authorities may well take this opportunity to review their fees and charges in general.
Lisa Summerton, Sales Director, at Searches UK said: “After much to-ing and fro-ing and no definitive answers about when VAT was likely to be levied on Council (Official) Local Authority Searches earlier in the year, it has now been announced that this will take effect from the 1st January 2017. With pricing being reviewed regularly by law firms to ensure they are offering the best service at the most competitive price to clients, will this increase result in more lawyers leaning towards Regulated Local Authority Searches? A fixed fee is applied to all of Searches UK’s Regulated Local Authority Searches so as well as making it far easier to provide an accurate quote to clients, in many cases this option further provides a saving compared to a Council Local Authority Search. Regulated Drainage and Water Searches are also available through Searches UK.
“Regulated Searches through Searches UK are processed by a local specialist conveyancing search agent and are covered by our £2 million information accuracy insurance in addition to a further £2 million in PI cover.
“Searches UK is a client focused business that strives to deliver an exceptional service to the solicitors and licenced conveyancers who order through us. Our range of products includes both residential and commercial conveyancing searches such as local authority, drainage and water, environmental, energy and infrastructure, mining, planning and chancel checks.”
For more information about any of the products and services from Searches UK visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+. Alternatively call them directly on 0800 043 1815 or email them at info@searchesuk.co.uk to speak to one of their dedicated team today.
This article was submitted to be published by Searches UK as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Conveyancer. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Conveyancer.
