I am completing my VAT return but cannot find a number of invoices for purchases I have made. I realise I cannot now claim for these (can I ?) so do I exclude them completely from the VAT return or do I need to include them in the purchase amount.

Logic tells me to exlude.
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Why not ring up the supplier and ask for a copy invoice? You may be being slightly too cautious - if they were bona fide transactions then include them as they are a correct reflection of the situation. The only problem is if there is an investigation but even then they may accept them. The worst case is that they are disallowed, but then you are only back where you started - I cant see them issuing fines or anything.
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Thomas, as fathippy says you should always get a copy of the invoice from a supllier were you can ..... a little tip to avoid this in the future is to tick back the invoices you have on your system to the supplier statement at the end of each month, that way you will know if you have any missing.

Good Luck :)
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Thanks, I will try and get copies.

Another quick one, any invoices I get for a non VAT registered supplier, do I need to include these in the return box 7?
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There was a big debate about this a while back. I don't think agreement was ever reached. I'll see if I can find the link.
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http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=77373&highlight=vat+registered

There you go
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Thanks, I will try and get copies.

Another quick one, any invoices I get for a non VAT registered supplier, do I need to include these in the return box 7?
Yes you do, if 7 is the net purchases (inputs) box (can never remember without seeing a form) :)
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didnt read the linked thread above, so it may be in there somewhere, but basically what goes in that box is those things covered by VAT (whether fully rated, exempt, from a non-VAT supplier etc). The only things excluded are those things not covered by VAT such as wages, NI payments, VAT payments themselves, financials. I am never sure about non-VATable rent payments, but logically they are covered by VAT so should be in there.
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didnt read the linked thread above, so it may be in there somewhere, but basically what goes in that box is those things covered by VAT (whether fully rated, exempt, from a non-VAT supplier etc). The only things excluded are those things not covered by VAT such as wages, NI payments, VAT payments themselves, financials. I am never sure about non-VATable rent payments, but logically they are covered by VAT so should be in there.
Yes that's right, and yes rent would go in box 7 also, as rent is by default Exempt (and thus to be included in the box) or the landlord can opt to tax it at standard rate.
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