Andrew Stanton

VAT Manager

+44 (0)20 7317 6682
andrew.stanton@ecovis.co.uk

Specialist Areas

  • Indirect Taxation (VAT)
  • Business Tax
  • Private Client Tax
  • Business Advisory

A bit about me

Hello, I’m Andrew. I have been lucky enough to have had a varied career within the world of VAT. I have spent an equal amount of time with HMRC and PwC, before becoming the in-house VAT specialist at Zurich Insurance. I was then the interim VAT manager at ICE (International Currency Exchange). Before joining Ecovis, I was the in-house VAT manager at Bath and North-East Somerset Council – which, as well as doing the VAT compliance, meant I also was involved in projects regarding the World Heritage of the Roman Baths (where an archaeological dig discovery of a Roman tunnel almost scuppered some Property VAT planning!)

VAT is a transactional tax, the questions are immediate and the answers need to be researched and provided before the next VAT return is submitted. I enjoy this immediacy, rather the waiting for month-end or annual reviews. There are some VAT positions that need to be made and notified to HMRC in advance of any transaction.

I enjoy guiding clients through the complexities of VAT. To quote the words of Lord Justice Sedley “beyond the everyday world lies the world of VAT, a kind of fiscal theme park in which factual and legal realities are suspended or inverted.”

VAT is fun!

Personally speaking

What are your favourite hobbies?

I write. Mainly, but not exclusively, poetry. I have one completed, unpublished novel with another one being drafted. I have also written short stories and have had one essay published in a self-help book.

If you could choose an alternative career, what would it be?

A writer.

What luxury item would you take on a desert island?

A superyacht… complete with helicopter!

What is your favourite meal?

Anything Italian, but would choose Eggs Benedict over a fry up for breakfast.

What was your first job?

I worked for the Theatre Royal in Bath, where I met a lot of interesting people and celebrities. Just before the performance of the New Sadler’s Wells Opera, I accidentally hit HRH Prince Charles in the face!

What is your favourite music?

My taste in music is varied. My first record was Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell. The last album I purchased was ‘The Body Remembers’ by Debbie Gibson. Last concert was Yes, the 50th anniversary tour, at the Barbican in York.

What’s the most daring thing you have ever done?

18 years ago I sent a poem, that I had written the night before, to an ex-work colleague. We celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary this year.

What’s the most exciting thing on your bucket list?

To get my novel published.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

My paternal grandmother.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Strength.

What inspires you?

My father.

What one piece of advice would you give your 10 year old self?

If you get the chance, do it. Life is short.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Life gets easier as you get older. If you know the sort of people you don’t like and avoid them!

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Wheelchair rugby or basketball.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Bus driver, which would have followed in my grandfather’s footsteps.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Have eaten both! Have had both as pets. My wife tells me my next pet will be a dog.

What languages do you know how to speak?

English, but can understand a little Welsh, but not speak it.

Connect on LinkedIn

by Andrew Stanton

New Year, New VAT Penalty Regime

22 December 2022

HMRC is introducing a new VAT penalty and interest regime which will affect all VAT registered businesses from 1 January 2023. The changes will apply to the late submission and / or late payments of VAT returns for VAT return periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023.

by Andrew Stanton

Happy Birthday VAT!

28 March 2023

This Saturday, 1st April 2023, is VAT’s 50th birthday! To celebrate, Ecovis VAT Manager, Andrew Stanton shares a few quirky VAT facts…

by Andrew Stanton

HMRC cautions against VAT bank details fraud

17 May 2024

HMRC warns of fraudulent use of Form VAT 484 to access VAT repayments. Businesses should verify their bank details and stay vigilant to protect against these scams.

by Andrew Stanton

Mitigating Labour VAT on private school fees

13 June 2024

Explore the potential Labour VAT threat on private school fees and prepayment strategy to swerve the VAT risk.

by Andrew Stanton

A Consultation to Seek Views on E-invoicing

2 April 2025

The UK government is seeking input from businesses on the potential standardisation and adoption of e-invoicing. This consultation aims to explore the benefits and challenges of implementing e-invoicing to enhance tax compliance and align with EU standards.