One for Eric et al- VAt on solicitors costs

[pugwash4x4]

Why is it that (apart from it being illegal) a solicitor can charge VAT but a business cannot reclaim this VAT?

by what warped logic is it a solicitors fees for selling my business now wholly and necessarily an essential part of my business?

[Eric Mc]

VAT is normally recoverable on ALL costs which relate to your business - including capital costs. Why do you think you cannot recover this VAT?
Do you know what section of the VAT regulations blocks VAT recovery on the sale of a business?

[blindswelledrat]

Presumably you are selling the business as an individual, not actually the business selling itself hence the bills should be to yourself who is not VAT registered?
Does that work?

[Eric Mc]

That sounds like a plausible explanation.