Self-billing outside UK

[john9456]

Hi,

I have a question about self-invoicing outside UK.

I have a Limited company which is engaging the services of a consultant based in India. In order to make things easier, we want to use self-billing (Create invoices on their behalf).

I found some information online that shows that self-billing itself is possible and legal, but it always mentions VAT. So I was wondering if self-billing is maybe only allowed when VAT has to be charged.

Does anyone ever used self-billing outside UK?

Regards,
John.

[Lance]

Hi,

I have a Limited company which is engaging the services of a consultant based in India. In order to make things easier, we want to use self-billing (Create invoices on their behalf).

I found some information online that shows that self-billing itself is possible and legal, but it always mentions VAT. So I was wondering if self-billing is maybe only allowed when VAT has to be charged.
.

Seems an odd question.
Assuming you are selling services in the UK you charge your customer VAT.

And you pay your man in India by whatever method he wants (and is legal). And depending on Indian law will determine if he has to charge you any sales tax or not.

If he won't create invoices for you then I guess you can create your own, but if you get investigated you may struggle to prove you've not just sent the money to India and then transferred it back evading tax. Of course you wouldn't do that as you're asking an honest and genuine question aren't you?

I wouldn't pay anyone that I couldn't prove existed so I'd want them to invoice me.

[john9456]

Thanks for your answer. Yes, this is an honest question. If one wanted to make a fake invoice, what prevents them from doing a fake invoice in the name of the contractor anyway?

I can show email and Skype chat as a proof.