Can I still reclaim VAT on my scheme if I’ve already moved in?

The occupation date for my self build is documented as being a year earlier than the actual completion date. Will that turn out to be a problem when it comes to reclaiming the VAT on the project?

You have a three month window to apply to get your VAT back, which is usually triggered from the date that the completion certificate is issued by building control (so not necessarily when you move in). In order to make a claim earlier than this, you would need to provide evidence of completion. is may comprise of a certificate or letter from building control; a certificate of habitation or letter from your local authority; a notification of making a new entry into the valuation list; or a document from your bank or building society stating that the last installment of any loan had been issued because it regarded the house as complete. Any of these can be used as the trigger to start the VAT reclaim procedure.