Image showing a computer with an invoice and VAT and a calculator icon

VAT Recovery on Supplier Purchases: Maximising Tax Efficiency


Organisations across the UK and Europe have a significant opportunity to improve their cash flow through efficient Value Added Tax (VAT) recovery on supplier purchases. This process, whilst potentially complex, can yield substantial financial benefits for businesses operating across multiple EU tax jurisdictions.

The ability to reclaim VAT on business expenses and supplier purchases represents an important avenue for cost reduction. For many organisations, particularly those operating internationally, the amounts involved can be considerable—often ranging from thousands to tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of pounds annually. However, the challenge lies not only in identifying recoverable VAT but in efficiently managing the documentation and compliance requirements necessary for successful claims.

Successful VAT recovery requires meticulous record-keeping and ready access to supporting documentation. Companies must maintain comprehensive records of supplier invoices, including detailed line items, VAT amounts, and relevant tax codes. This documentation serves as essential evidence for tax authorities when processing refund claims. The complexity increases significantly for businesses operating across multiple countries, as VAT regulations and recovery procedures can vary by jurisdiction.

One of the primary obstacles organisations face is the time-consuming nature of gathering and organising the required documentation. Traditional manual processes often involve significant administrative burden, with staff spending countless hours downloading and organising supplier invoices and related documents form their ERP system. This challenge is particularly acute for businesses processing thousands of transactions monthly.

To address these challenges, ERP Cloud Ltd has developed an innovative solution specifically for companies using SAP Business ByDesign as their ERP system. Our supplier invoice attachment downloader: ( App Store | Documentation | Microsoft Store | Documentation) streamlines the document collection process, enabling businesses to quickly and efficiently gather the evidence required for VAT recovery claims. This solution significantly reduces the administrative burden traditionally associated with VAT reclamation.

For businesses working with VAT recovery agencies, the efficiency gains are particularly important. These agencies typically require comprehensive documentation to process claims effectively. The ability to quickly download and provide all necessary attachments and data significantly expedites the recovery process. This enhanced efficiency often translates to higher value refunds along with reducing the internal cost for the exercise.

For companies running SAP Business ByDesign, the path to more efficient VAT recovery is clear. Our solution offers a practical approach to addressing one of the most time consuming aspects of the recovery process, enabling businesses to focus on their core activities rather than administrative chores.