Golf clubs urged to act over VAT case

NOT-for-profit golf clubs are being urged to make the most of a EU VAT
ruling on green fees.

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth believes around 130
clubs could be set to benefit following a case brought forward by Bridport
& West Dorset Golf Club, which means that non-profit clubs can claim
back four years’ worth, and more in some cases, of VAT paid by non-
members on green fees.
 
More than 1,500 golf courses across the UK could be in line for a tax rebate, which Mitchell Charlesworth estimates could result in six- or seven-figure windfalls for the clubs.

Gemma Gower, VAT manager at Mitchell Charlesworth said: “This is an
industry changing decision which could see golf clubs claiming hundreds
of thousands of pounds back from HMRC.

“Golf clubs should not delay starting the process of claiming back what is
rightfully theirs, as the longer they delay, the more VAT they stand to  lose.”
 
There are around 3,000 golf clubs across the UK with just over half
classed as non-profit clubs. A total of 500 clubs have already lodged claims with HMRC and these could be backdated as far as 1990, following EU Legislation.

The claim lodged by Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club is one such claim,
and is expected to be worth in the region of £140,000.

Mitchell Charlesworth has offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Widnes,
Warrington and Chester.