A tricky one...setting up a not-for-profit mountain retreat in Italy.

CKhalvashi

buglawton wrote: »

Because of safety liability/responsibility for others, I would say it has to be a limited company. Presumably you mean you would register this co in the UK. Once the turnover exceeds £80,000 p.a. the 'customers' will have to pay 20% VAT. Any VAT reclaims for services purchased would likely be cross border ones, bit of an admin nightmare. So the Chancellor would benefit more than anyone! Maybe worth registering in Ireland or Luxembourg instead.

The canton of Bern in Switzerland is also a worthwhile one for the Co above one of the two, then 'sell' the brand name to the Co in Ireland or Luxembourg.

This has one of the lowest tax rates in the world.

CK

buglawton

Thought about that, even suggested Switzerland as an actual location for a retreat in an early post here. Lovely country. But wouldn't the fact that Switzerland is not in the EU complicate some admin in dealing with Italy?

CKhalvashi

buglawton wrote: »

Thought about that, even suggested Switzerland as an actual location for a retreat in an early post here. Lovely country. But wouldn't the fact that Switzerland is not in the EU complicate some admin in dealing with Italy?

This is why you do a Starbucks-style tax scam on this, so you're shown as living in a low tax jurisdiction.

We looked at a property in Verbier a few years ago, as we have a business property in Geneva (although that part of the company is actually based in Switzerland), and it's largely interchangable.

Speak to a qualified international tax accountant, and they will be able to find the best course of action.

CK

stephenni1971

I can grasp some of the concept of what you are trying to do but can't help thinking its just doomed to failure.

You will need to spend a fortune to set it all up and I can't see how you will recoup starting costs, pay ongoing expenses ( rent, petrol, wages, food, electric, insurance etc ) and still make an a profit for your causes.

Have you thought how you would advertise this? Where would you get your clients form?

gregdedman

Stephenni, thank you for your input but I am aware of my costs, I have them covered and am willing to lose my investment. I am not doing this to make thousands of pounds out of this, I am going to break even I would say.

As for spending a fortune, I have experience of this type of chalet and know that It can be done relatively cheaply as I have an apartment already kitted out and ready to go.
Things are as complicated as you make them, Im a simple guy.

rochja

Hi Greg. Have you seen this site? It might be worth downloading the guide and seeing how many of your questions it can answer
http://www.ukti.gov.uk/export/countries/europe/southerneurope/italy/doingbusiness.html

rochja

And this one is essential background reading
http://europa.eu/youreurope/business/starting-business/setting-up/italy/index_en.htm
It actually looks as though all EU countries had to set up a one stop portal similar to the one here.