Google sent me £1000 VAT refund - but why?

[yonnermark]

I'm in the UK where my busines pays VAT and is a VAT-registered company. I've been paying VAT on all my google adwords payments but every 3 months I claim the VAT portion back from the government as I am entitled to do as a VAT registered company.

Google invited me to enter my VAT number in my account so I did it. Next thing I know they send me a cheque for £1000 as a refund for all the VAT I've been paying them for the past year or so.

But it doesn't make sense. I've already claimed the VAT back from the government so why are google ALSO refunding the VAT to me? I don't want to cash this cheque and then get told it was a mistake and I have to give it back.

Does anyone know much about this?
Or maybe I should email adwords support?

thanks
mark

[exmoorbeast]

just keep quiet and let HM find it, not your fault! Just keep it in a savings account in case they ever do ask for it!

[Pengi]

Personally, I would come clean. I don't believe it is ever wise to cheat either G or the taxman - they can both hurt you big time.

I would:
1) bank the money immediately - putting it into my highest interest savings account;
2) Contact Google - explain what has happened and request advice as to how to proceed
3) Subject to the outcome of 2), Contact Customs & Revenue - explain what has happened and request advice as to how to proceed

You are clearly aware that you are not entitled to this windfall - don't put your business at risk.

[trannack]

Good advice Pengi!

[DamonHD]

Hi,

I think that, politics and corruption talk aside, retaining something that you know isn't rightfully yours, from a large, humourless government organisation with huge powers including arrest and confiscation, is just not sensible.

Rgds

Damon