VAT Returns Filed on Time.

HMRC’s penalties for late or inaccurate VAT returns have become significantly harsher under the new penalty regime. A Chartered Accountant handling your VAT means correct scheme selection, accurate returns, and zero late filings — quarter after quarter.

✓ MTD compliant✓ All VAT schemes✓ HMRC liaison✓ Fixed fee✓ Quarterly filing

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Take VAT Off Your To-Do List

Fixed monthly or quarterly fee. We reply within one business day.

VAT Return Services We Cover

From scheme selection to quarterly filing and HMRC queries, we handle every aspect of your VAT compliance.

Quarterly VAT Return Preparation

We prepare your VAT return from your bookkeeping records, review input tax claims for eligibility, and file via MTD-compliant software directly with HMRC. You see the return before it is submitted.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) Compliance

All VAT-registered businesses must file digitally under MTD for VAT. We ensure your digital links are in place, your software is MTD-compatible, and your filing process is fully compliant — avoiding the penalties HMRC issues for manual workarounds.

VAT Scheme Advice

Standard rate, flat rate, cash accounting, annual accounting — the right scheme depends on your turnover, margin, and cash flow profile. We review your position and recommend the most tax-efficient approach.

VAT Health Check

We review your last four quarters of VAT returns to identify common errors: incorrectly claimed input tax, partial exemption issues, EC sales, import VAT, and reverse charge. Catching errors before HMRC does avoids penalties.

HMRC VAT Enquiries

If HMRC opens an enquiry into your VAT returns, we manage the response. We deal directly with HMRC, provide the requested documentation, and represent your position professionally throughout the process.

International VAT

Businesses selling to EU customers or purchasing from overseas suppliers face complex VAT rules: place of supply, reverse charge, import VAT, and EU VAT registration requirements. We navigate this so you stay compliant across borders.

Which VAT Scheme Is Right for Your Business?

Flat Rate Scheme

✓Turnover below £150,000 (excl. VAT)
✓Pay a fixed percentage of gross turnover
✓Simpler record-keeping — no input tax tracking
✓Can be more profitable in the first year (1% discount)
✓Best for businesses with low input VAT
✓Not suitable if you have significant purchases

Standard VAT Scheme

✓Suitable for all VAT-registered businesses
✓Claim back VAT on all eligible purchases
✓Report output tax on all sales
✓More detailed record-keeping required
✓Better for businesses with high input VAT
✓Required above £150,000 turnover or for capital-intensive businesses

VAT Return Questions

You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold in any rolling 12-month period. The threshold is currently £90,000. You can also register voluntarily below this threshold — which can be advantageous if your customers are VAT-registered businesses that can reclaim the VAT you charge. We assess whether voluntary registration makes commercial sense for your specific situation.

Making Tax Digital for VAT requires all VAT-registered businesses to keep digital VAT records and file VAT returns using MTD-compatible software. There is no longer a paper or manual filing option. HMRC can issue penalties for non-compliant digital links — for example, if you manually type figures from your accounting software into a spreadsheet before uploading to HMRC. We ensure your entire process, from bookkeeping to filing, uses compliant digital links throughout.

HMRC replaced the default surcharge regime with a new penalty points system from January 2023. Under the new system, each late VAT return submission earns a penalty point. When you accumulate enough points (the threshold depends on your filing frequency), a fixed £200 financial penalty is charged, plus additional £200 penalties for each subsequent late return until you clear your points. Separate late payment penalties also apply. The new regime is harsher for businesses that repeatedly file late — which is why having a Chartered Accountant manage your VAT calendar matters.

VAT filed. Every quarter. On time.

MTD-compliant VAT returns from an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Fixed quarterly fee. Book a free call today.

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