{"id":38327,"date":"2025-02-28T17:09:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T17:09:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/?p=38327"},"modified":"2026-03-18T12:30:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T12:30:48","slug":"file-a-vat-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/limited-companies\/file-a-vat-return\/","title":{"rendered":"How to file a VAT return"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Wondering <em><strong>how to file a VAT return<\/strong>? <\/em>Luckily for you, we know how! While it might not be the most thrilling item on your to-do list, it\u2019s essential if you&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/limited-companies\/how-do-i-get-a-vat-certificate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VAT-registered<\/a>. Get it right, and you\u2019ll stay on HMRC\u2019s good side, \ud83d\ude07 get it wrong (or worse, miss the deadline), and you could face penalties. But don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll walk you through everything you need to know!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div> <!-- .c-body -->\n\n<div class=\"b-cta-mini m-blue m-align-left\">\n    \n    <div class=\"b-cta-mini__content\">\n\n        \n        \n        <div class=\"b-cta-mini__body\">\n            <div class=\"b-block-body\"><p><span class=\"notion-enable-hover\" data-token-index=\"0\">Our <strong>Making Tax Digital (MTD) software<\/strong> for landlords and sole-traders with built-in accountant support is now live. <strong>First month for free!<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/span><!-- notionvc: 227cc3b6-c5da-4b2e-bf21-eb65dbbc1eac --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Accountant-led onboarding &amp; support<\/li>\n<li>Simple-to-use software<\/li>\n<li>Affordable pricing options \u2013 from \u00a324.99\/month<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        \n        <div class=\"b-cta-mini__action\">\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/mtd-for-itsa\/\" class=\"c-button m-large  m-mobile-fullwidth\">Learn more<\/a>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div> <!-- .b-cta-mini -->\n\n<div class=\"c-body\">\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a VAT return?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A VAT return is a report you send to HMRC, summarising the VAT a business has collected from customers (output VAT) and the VAT paid on <a href=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/limited-companies\/allowable-expenses-limited-companies-can-claim\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">business expenses<\/a> (input VAT).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between these amounts determines whether you owe HMRC money or are due a refund. \ud83e\udd11<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses that are VAT-registered must <strong>file a VAT return<\/strong> even if they have no VAT to report for the period. Returns are usually submitted every three months, in line with the business\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/limited-companies\/whats-my-companys-accounting-period\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounting period<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the deadline for a VAT return?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most businesses <strong>file VAT returns<\/strong> every 3 months. The standard <strong>deadline for VAT returns<\/strong> is one month and seven days after the end of your VAT period. For example, if your VAT period wraps up on 31 March, your return and payment are due by 7 May. \ud83d\udcc5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you\u2019re using a special VAT scheme, your deadlines might differ:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Annual Accounting Scheme<\/strong>: file one VAT return a year, with advance payments throughout the year.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>VAT Cash Accounting Scheme<\/strong>: the deadline remains the same, but VAT is accounted for based on when invoices are paid, not when they\u2019re issued.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping track of your VAT deadlines is key to avoiding late fees and keeping HMRC at bay! So, make sure you know which rules apply to your business! \u2705<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div> <!-- .c-body -->\n\n<div class=\"b-cta-mini m-purple m-align-left\">\n    \n    <div class=\"b-cta-mini__content\">\n\n        \n        <h2 class=\"b-cta-mini__title\">Got tax-related questions?<\/h2>\n\n        \n        \n        <div class=\"b-cta-mini__body\">\n            <div class=\"b-block-body\"><p>Whether it&#8217;s VAT, tax returns, or business finances, our accountants offer 1:1 expert advice tailored to you. Get in touch today!<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        \n        <div class=\"b-cta-mini__action\">\n\n            <a data-js=\"openAuth\" data-location=\"content\" data-view=\"signup\" href=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/assessment\/signup\" class=\"gtm-get-started-button c-button m-large  m-mobile-fullwidth\" onClick=\"javascript:setVariant('VARIANT_NAME');\">Get started <\/a>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div> <!-- .b-cta-mini -->\n\n<div class=\"c-body\">\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I include in my VAT return?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you <strong>file a VAT return<\/strong>, you must include:<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div> <!-- .c-body -->\n\n<div class=\"b-highlight-mini m-yellow m-align-left\">\n    <div class=\"b-block-body\">\n        <ul>\n<li>Your total sales and purchases for the period.<!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li>The VAT you\u2019ve charged on sales (output VAT).<!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li>The VAT you can reclaim on expenses (input VAT).<!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li>Your total VAT due or the amount you can reclaim from HMRC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div> <!-- .b-highlight-mini -->\n\n<div class=\"c-body\">\n\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some special rules you should keep in mind when filing your VAT return:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Partial exemptions<\/strong>: businesses that sell both <a href=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/glossary\/vat-exempt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VAT-exempt<\/a> and VAT-taxable goods or services can only reclaim a portion of their expenses (input VAT).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adjustments<\/strong>: corrections or annual calculations may require changes to previous VAT returns. \u270f\ufe0f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you&#8217;re aware of these rules to ensure your VAT return is accurate and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Submitting VAT returns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/tax-changes\/can-you-use-excel-for-making-tax-digital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Making Tax Digital (MTD<\/a>, VAT returns must be submitted through compatible software &#8211; no more manual filings on HMRC\u2019s website!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Tax in 10(ish) seconds - what is Making Tax Digital?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RNeq5vqnidI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to get it done :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Log in <\/strong>to your MTD-compatible software \ud83d\udd11<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check your VAT figures<\/strong> &#8211; mistakes happen, so give everything a once-over&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submit your return <\/strong>&#8211;<strong> <\/strong>the software sends it directly to HMRC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Receive confirmation<\/strong> &#8211; you should get an instant receipt \ud83d\udce9<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s it! VAT return filed, HMRC happy, and you can get back to business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to pay your VAT bill<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Filed your VAT return?<\/strong> Nice work. \ud83d\ude4c Now, don\u2019t forget the most important part, paying HMRC on time! Here\u2019s how you can do it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Direct Debit<\/strong> &#8211; set it up once, and payments happen automatically. Easy!&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Online banking <\/strong>&#8211; pay via Faster Payments, CHAPS, or BACS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Debit\/credit card<\/strong> &#8211; watch out for extra additional fees if using a credit card.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Standing order (for annual accounting schemes)<\/strong> &#8211; ideal for businesses on the Annual Accounting Scheme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you pay?<\/h3>\n\n\n<\/div> <!-- .c-body -->\n\n<div class=\"b-highlight-mini m-yellow m-align-left\">\n    <div class=\"b-block-body\">\n        <p>VAT payments must be cleared in HMRC\u2019s account by the <strong>deadline<\/strong> <strong>for VAT returns <\/strong>(one month and seven days after the period ends). Miss it, and you could face penalties. \ud83d\udea8<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div> <!-- .b-highlight-mini -->\n\n<div class=\"c-body\">\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Late payment of a VAT return<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you miss the <strong>deadline for a VAT return <\/strong>or fail to pay on time,<strong> <\/strong>HMRC may charge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Late payment interest<\/strong>: this accrues daily from the due date until the payment is received. \ud83d\udcc8<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Penalties<\/strong>: based on how late the payment is and how often you miss deadlines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses that are struggling to pay their VAT bill <em>may<\/em> be able to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/difficulties-paying-hmrc\/pay-in-instalments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">set up an instalment plan<\/a>, allowing them to spread the cost over an agreed period.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the penalty for a late VAT return?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2023, HMRC has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/submit-vat-return\/late-returns-and-payment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">points-based system<\/a> for late VAT returns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Each late VAT return = <strong>1 penalty point <\/strong>(you accumulate these until a threshold is reached<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reaching the penalty threshold =<strong> \u00a3200 fine.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ongoing late payments? Expect <strong>daily fines<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Moral of the story? Make sure you <strong>file your VAT return <\/strong>and submit payment before the deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/25Q3_TS_Rebrand_UK_Website_Content_Blog-and-guides_hmrc-shuts-self-assessment-helpline.png\" width=\"1280\" height=\"672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/25Q3_TS_Rebrand_UK_Website_Content_Blog-and-guides_hmrc-shuts-self-assessment-helpline-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/25Q3_TS_Rebrand_UK_Website_Content_Blog-and-guides_hmrc-shuts-self-assessment-helpline-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/25Q3_TS_Rebrand_UK_Website_Content_Blog-and-guides_hmrc-shuts-self-assessment-helpline-768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/25Q3_TS_Rebrand_UK_Website_Content_Blog-and-guides_hmrc-shuts-self-assessment-helpline.png 1280w\" class=\"wp-block-image__media\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1000px) 768px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" alt=\"\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you\u2019ve made an error<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Oops, made a mistake? <strong>\ud83e\udd26\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/strong>That\u2019s okay! You can usually correct the return depending on the type and size of the error:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Small errors (under \u00a310,000)<\/strong> &#8211; adjust it on your next VAT return.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Larger errors (\u00a310,000 &#8211; \u00a350,000)<\/strong> &#8211; notify HMRC using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/check-if-you-need-to-report-errors-in-your-vat-return\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VAT652 form<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Serious errors (over \u00a350,000)<\/strong> &#8211; report them directly to HMRC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The sooner you fix it, the less likely you are to face interest charges or penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Staying on top&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Filing a VAT return<\/strong> doesn\u2019t have to be a nightmare. With MTD software, a solid process, and timely payments, you\u2019ll stay compliant and stress-free. And if you\u2019re ever unsure, a tax consultation with <a href=\"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/tax-advice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a professional accountant<\/a> can help keep everything in order. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wondering how to file a VAT return? Luckily for you, we know how! While it might not be the most thrilling item on your to-do list, it\u2019s essential if you&#8217;re VAT-registered. Get it right, and you\u2019ll stay on HMRC\u2019s good side, \ud83d\ude07 get it wrong (or worse, miss the deadline), and you could face penalties. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[503],"tags":[356,102,415],"class_list":["post-38327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-limited-companies","tag-expenses","tag-hmrc","tag-tax-return-basics"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to file a VAT return &#8211; Taxfix<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"To file a VAT return, you must report your total sales, purchases, and VAT. 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