Three directors of an internet trading company based in Liverpool have been disqualified from acting as company directors for over 20 years for filing incorrect VAT returns.

The directors of B.L.A. Trading Ltd , which sold small electrical goods on Ebay  have given undertakings to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) not to promote, manage, or be directors of a limited company. In giving their undertakings, the directors did not dispute that they caused B.L.A Trading Ltd to submit incorrect VAT returns to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The company was placed into creditors voluntary liquidation on 27 January 2011 with an estimated deficiency of £311,767. The investigation found that BLA submitted incorrect VAT returns to HMRC for the VAT periods ending 31 December 2008 to 30 June 2010. The investigation also found that the company failed in its statutory obligation to submit a VAT return for the VAT period 1 July 2010 to 30 September 2010 when VAT was owing.

The VAT returns for the VAT periods ending 31 December 2008 to 30 June 2010 declared VAT due on sales of £3,140 whereas the correct figure that BLA ought to have accounted to HMRC was £303,591.

For more information on company directors disqualifications and the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 contact Mandy Quinn or Amy Hardie