About Us

"I run a specialist music teacher agency / booking service. Not providing the tuition ourselves provided a huge variety of VAT questions – or, headaches! – about how best to set up our accounting systems. We needed to make sure we found solutions that would a) work efficiently for us and b) accurately represent these processes to the HMRC. Over the course of six months, Raphael helped find solutions to every single agency issue we faced, including both simple and drastic changes that not only made sense but made us rethink the way we operate. It's this unique combination of a sympathy for our vision and his knowledge of VAT that makes it very easy to highly recommend Raphael."

"Raphael explains difficult topics in a simple, concise manner. He has an eye for detail and is very thorough in his approach. Refreshingly, he ‘gets on with it’ and responds quickly, which is important to me. He is easy to get on with and I can highly recommend his services."

"Raphael has worked with Borough Care on a project to restructure the organisation and was advising on the VAT implications to optimise its position. He acted in a professional and courteous manner from the beginning to the end of the project, with a number of advisers both external and internal to Borough Care. He ensured the project was completed on time and within the fees agreed, despite there being a number of hick-ups along the way, which nobody could have foreseen. It is clear that Raphael is an expert in his field and has a wealth of experience in dealing with HMRC. He has a talent for making his advice clear and understandable to his clients. This attribute became readily apparent as I was introduced late on in the project and he ensured I was brought up to speed on the workings of the VAT arrangement." I would have no hesitation in recommending Raphael to any organisation who is looking for a competent VAT specialist."

"Raphael prepared and presented a tailored webinar for us on the VAT implication of Brexit. The material used was very well thought out and covered all of the key issues our clients are likely to encounter. Raphael presented in a very interesting and engaging manner and the feedback from the team was very positive – there is no doubt he knows his stuff! "

"Raphael is a straight talking VAT specialist. He is very enthusiastic about VAT and will sort out any issue or query you have with VAT, no matter how big or small, and he will do so in a positive and friendly manner. Our staff have no issues in picking up the phone to him to discuss any VAT issue with him. He will explain even the most complex VAT issues in a way that is understandable. Raphael prepared and delivered a webinar on the impacts of Brexit on VAT and how it will affect UK businesses. It was an engaging and thought provoking webinar and it has helped us to help our clients get prepared for Brexit. I would highly recommend Raphael to anyone who requires a VAT specialist".

“As a tax partner in a busy firm, I considered it most useful to ask Raphael to kindly present to us on matters relating to VAT and Brexit (a somewhat ‘heady’ mix) and we found his coverage of the topic to be most useful and timely as well as focused and geared towards the practical issues.

We have now a better handle on the matters we need to be considering and our thanks to him for this.”

“Raphael worked with Persona on a project to restructure the organisation in order to optimise our VAT position. From the outset his technical expertise was obvious, he outlined the proposed solution clearly and explained the process to be followed in detail – as you would expect any professional to do. Where he particularly impressed was in his commitment to the project. We agreed actions, timescales and Raphael’s fee and he then ensured, without fuss or drama, that all actions were fully completed on time. He maintained regular contact throughout, liaised with HMRC and ensured the entire process was painless.” We have now a better handle on the matters we need to be considering and our thanks to him for this.”

"Raphael conducted a very thorough review of our business and the VAT implications of a wide range of our transactions, preparing a comprehensive report along with an excellent summary to which we can refer whenever we have any queries. He managed to demystify a complex area of tax - we have customers and suppliers in the UK, EU and outside of Europe - and offered expert guidance and reassurance throughout the process."

“Raphael was my first port of call when I needed a UK VAT expert. He is extremely knowledgeable, dependable, thorough and efficient. He ensured my client who needed UK VAT advice as to whether a UK VAT registration was required and a subsequent UK VAT registration submitting to the authorities via the HMRC portal, got sorted ASAP without any fuss or commotion. Furthermore, he has now made sure that my client’s on-going UK VAT compliance issues with the Non Established Taxable Persons Unit at HMRC are taken care of. In advance of the Brexit transitional deadline fast approaching and in order to ensure a smooth transition from intra-EU sales to now dealing with a UK 3rd Country status, his work has enabled our Irish customer to continue trading in the UK post 1 January 2021, with no VAT issues to worry about at the Ireland / UK border. I would recommend him personally to any business needing this kind of invaluable assistance, at this moment in time."

“Raphael was very responsive from the initial contact, through the engagement process, and on to providing the final consultation and advice. I am comfortable with the helpful VAT advice he provided on our transactions for an innovative decarbonisation project, and would be happy to call on Raphael for his services again in future.

“Raphael was introduced to me via a mutual connection as I had a complex query over Brexit / VAT post transition. Although I had never met Raphael he responded with an answer within the hour and I was able to go back to the business I was working on behalf of, to give a detailed response to their tax query. Amazing service and someone I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.”

“We have found Raphael Suissa very approachable and he has provided us with in depth, relevant advice on a variety of specialist VAT issues. Client service is very important to us and not only is Raphael both professional and knowledgeable, he has always provided his support and guidance in a timely manner. Raphael has the ability to clarify complex VAT legislation and case law, and present solutions in a concise, easily understood manner.”

“Raphael’s expertise, knowledge and support has been invaluable to us. He has helped us navigate Brexit and the UK VAT system quickly and efficiently. He and his team were quick to respond to any of our queries, of which there were many, and each time was able to advise us and assist.
We would have no hesitation in referring Raphael and his services to any of our colleagues.”

“Raphael was introduced to me a number of months ago by a tax partner of a large London based firm of accountants. He immediately got going with the VAT issues I found myself with and from day one, he looked to manage the process in a professional way, allowing me to focus on other non VAT related matters which I have to deal with. Raphael provides Mr Plant Hire with an exceptional service, he is always available and readily able to deal with the complexities that the tax continuously throws up. He does this in his unassuming way and is always readily able to explain complex VAT issues in a way that is easily understood. I would have no hesitation in recommending his services to any business requiring advice and / or assistance with any VAT related matter going forwards.”

“I got introduced to Raphael via a mutual contact we have on LinkedIn. From the outset, his technical expertise was obvious in his “specialised subject” of VAT. In light of the fact that I provide advice to clients who operate in the construction and property areas, I knew that Raphael was going to be a contact whom I could recommend to clients. In addition, in light of his positive and friendly manner, I knew that this “introduction” would prove to be invaluable – how right I was!”

“I have found Raphael to be a pleasure to work with. He has such a wealth of knowledge, in an area which can be somewhat of a minefield, that is so quickly ever changing and updating. I have full trust in that we can ask any VAT related question and have complete confidence in the speed and accuracy of the response.”

“Raphael has been a great support. He is extremely knowledgeable and an expert in his field. I have confidence and trust, that I can ask any VAT related question and receive a speedy and detailed response.”

““Both Raphael and I have previously worked together at the same Big 4 accountants for many years. At Customs Connect, we mainly focus on Customs Duties, occasionally needing additional VAT support from Raphael. I always find him as being someone I can discuss the intricacies of VAT and the ever changing VAT caselaw. Four eyes are better than two and this is a way where we both can ensure the advice provided is not only accurate, but commercial and practical. He is a safe pair of hands when it comes to VAT consultancy and I would recommend his services to anyone who is looking for VAT advice.”

“At Edwards Chartered Accountants, we’ve recently started working with Raphael, and his assistance has been invaluable on a number of client cases already. The provision of timely and concise advice has meant that we can keep our clients fully advised on the more complex VAT aspects of their affairs. That coupled with Raphael’s friendly demeanour makes him an absolute pleasure to work alongside. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.”

"Raphael was most helpful in sorting out the most intricate parts of the VAT code pertaining to our business, tourism. He has specialised knowledge of TOMS, and was able to clearly explain the details to us, no doubt saving us quite a bit of money in the process. Raphael was prompt and communicative throughout our experience with him, and all for a fair price. Would highly recommend for all matters VAT!”

"Raphael dealt with the 6 figure HMRC VAT assessment which my client received, in a professional and diligent manner. He ensured we were kept up to date throughout the process and liaised with the HMRC officers involved, in order to resolve the issue. Furthermore, he ensured the client did not incur any interest or penalties. He obtained in writing from HMRC their agreement to what was approved to ensure that my client would not have any issues with this in the years to come should a different HMRC officer look to raise the matter again. I would recommend his services in the event that your business receives a VAT assessment for something which you do not agree with. He is a pleasure to deal with and offers a dependable, thorough and efficient service.”

"Raphael was extremely thorough and thoughtful in helping me understand the VAT Tax situation with my digital marketing agency. I'm a US based agency and have a UK client where I was concerned about VAT taxes. Thanks to Raphael I gained the exact information I needed to properly address my situation.”

"I came to Raphael about a VAT issue that I wasn't 100% sure I understood properly, due to the complexity of how the HMRC rules were written. Raphael helped me through the matter, discussing it at length to ensure that I did come to understand it correctly, and then liaised with HMRC on my behalf to nudge things along using the right kind of language. I am grateful for the help."

"We find The VAT Helpline to be very approachable, friendly and easy to work with. Raphael is very knowledgeable on his chosen subject, and ensures we are kept up to date with the ever evolving world of VAT. He is keen to understand our business and has recently provided an update session on VAT, which was delivered in a clear and understandable manner. He’s always willing to deal with questions and we look forward to working with him more in the days and months to come."

"Raphael from The VAT Helpline Ltd was introduced to me by my new accountants, Ortu Advisers. The dispute centred around VAT and property. HMRC was looking at raising a 6 figure VAT assessment, with additional penalties potentially being raised. The problem concerned the Option to Tax VAT legislation and whether the VAT disapplication provisions applied.

Raphael’s expertise in this area was readily apparent. He immediately reviewed all emails, letters, papers etc that we entered into with HMRC over the period. He prepared a summary of the issues at hand and explained to us in a simple manner, what he had uncovered. We agreed actions, timescales and Raphael’s fees in moving to the next phase of the project.

He drafted a detailed letter to HMRC, attaching various correspondence, putting forward his case. He liaised with HMRC and ensured the entire process was hassle free. Shortly thereafter, HMRC agreed with Raphael’s analysis of the situation and confirmed that the repayment of the earlier VAT return would be on its way. In light of this, the potential VAT penalties that HMRC was considering, also no longer fell to be applicable.

I would strongly recommend Raphael’s services in the event of your business facing VAT penalties. VAT is a “very grey area”, and the fact that HMRC may decide to raise an assessment does not necessarily mean that it is correct."

"I was introduced to Raphael and The VAT Help Line as I was setting up a new UK company. I had a couple of zoom calls with him and his explanation of the VAT process was perfect. He was very knowledgeable in the area of VAT and he completed the application paperwork on our behalf which made the process very easy. I would certainly recommend Raphael if you need help and support with any VAT queries."

Raphael, at The VAT Helpline Ltd successfully represented our case and secured a favourable outcome at the VAT First Tier Tribunal (“FTT”). His proactive approach in contacting HMRC's Solicitors office played a crucial role in resolving the matter. Legal cases hinge on the interpretation of facts and the classification of supplies for VAT purposes. In this instance, the key argument centred around whether there were one or two supplies for VAT purposes, with the implication being a different VAT liability for each. Raphael's ability to present the case effectively and engage with HMRC to secure a withdrawal of opposition reflects a skilful handling of the situation. Getting HMRC to review and reconsider its position is a significant achievement, as it ultimately led to a positive outcome for our appeal, at the FTT. This is evident to the expertise shown by Raphael and his approach was instrumental in achieving this result. I would have no hesitation in recommending Raphael to any organisation who is in need of a competent VAT specialist. He has the ability to fight your case and to take on HMRC at the FTT, if needs be!”