Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to prevent VAT evasion by overseas companies using internet platforms with fake VAT numbers.

The government has led the way in tackling this complex and international problem. A package of measures were announced at Budget 2016 to disrupt and deter abuse by some overseas businesses selling goods to UK customers through online marketplaces. This included holding online marketplaces jointly liable for the future unpaid VAT of non-compliant overseas businesses, including where the overseas business uses a fake VAT number. These rules were extended in 2018 to require an online marketplace to display a valid VAT number for businesses on its platform if provided with one. Up to 31 December 2018, HMRC has issued 4,800 notices to online marketplaces notifying them of these non-compliant businesses resulting in their removal from those platforms.