What are Value-Added Tax returns?
A VAT return is a periodic report to HMRC, usually quarterly, comparing output VAT charged on sales with input VAT paid on purchases. The balance is either payable to HMRC or refundable. Businesses with taxable turnover above the £90,000 rolling 12-month threshold must register and file, while those below it can register voluntarily.
Under Making Tax Digital, VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and file through MTD-compatible software. Depending on your business, you may use the Standard, Flat Rate, Cash Accounting, Annual Accounting or Margin scheme. We review transactions, check VAT treatment, reconcile balances, prepare returns for approval, monitor deadlines and maintain supporting documentation.
Our services
VAT return preparation
Accurate returns built from sales and purchase ledgers, bank feeds and supporting documents.
HMRC VAT filing
Submission through MTD-compatible software, with confirmation and an audit trail.
Making Tax Digital compliance
Moving onto digital record-keeping, with software compatibility maintained.
Registration and deregistration
Threshold monitoring, registration applications and deregistration, including final returns.
VAT reconciliation
Control account reconciliations to catch discrepancies early.
Reverse charge, import and export VAT
Reverse charge, postponed VAT accounting, import certificates and export documentation.
Partial exemption and mixed rates
Calculations across mixed-rate transactions, schemes and partially exempt activities.
VAT audit support
Reconciliations, working papers and schedules for HMRC inspections.
Corrections and advisory
Error correction, voluntary disclosures and advice on scheme choice.
Keep Your Returns on Track
Our VAT returns support helps businesses organise records, understand registration requirements and prepare accurate submissions to HMRC. We review your trading activities, business location and taxable turnover to identify relevant registration considerations, and we explain how your VAT obligations may change as your business grows or begins trading in new areas. Our team checks the VAT treatment of sales and purchases, distinguishing between standard, reduced and zero rates, and flags transactions that may be exempt, outside the scope of VAT or subject to special rules. We also help you choose a suitable VAT scheme and understand how that choice may affect your cash flow and administration.
We reconcile output VAT with eligible input VAT and calculate the resulting payment or repayment position. We support digital record keeping, review information within compatible accounting software and prepare returns for approval before submission where authorised. Our service includes monitoring deadlines, resolving transaction queries and maintaining supporting documentation. We also review partial exemption, bad debt relief and imports or exports where relevant, helping ensure each return reflects your actual circumstances, so nothing is missed.
Through careful preparation and review, we help reduce avoidable errors and give your team greater confidence in managing VAT responsibilities throughout the year. We keep workings, reconciliations and approvals clearly organised, providing a dependable reference for future returns and helping you respond efficiently to any HMRC queries. Whether you submit quarterly, monthly or annually, we aim to keep your reporting accurate, timely and easy to review, giving you greater clarity over your VAT position. Our team is always available to answer questions and keep you informed well before each deadline.
deadlines and filing requirements
| Requirement | Deadline | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| VAT registration | Within 30 days of the end of the month in which taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 | Late registration can trigger backdated liability |
| Quarterly VAT returns | One month and 7 days after period end | Late submission adds penalty points |
| Monthly VAT returns | One month and 7 days after each month | Affects refund cash flow |
| Annual Accounting Scheme | Usually two months after the end of the accounting period; shorter periods may have a one-month deadline | Missed payments can lead to withdrawal |
| VAT payments | Same as the return, unless paying by Direct Debit | Late payment triggers penalties and interest |
| Record retention | At least 6 years in most cases | Needed for HMRC inspection |
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s Discuss Your Requirements
Have a question about our services? Speak with our team to discuss your engagement, deadlines and the support you need.
What Is a VAT Return?
A periodic report to HMRC summarising VAT on sales and purchases, with the balance paid or reclaimed. It compares the VAT you charge your customers with the VAT you pay on eligible purchases, so the result shows whether you owe money to HMRC or are due a repayment.
Who Needs to Submit VAT Returns?
Every VAT-registered business, including those above the £90,000 threshold and those registered voluntarily. If your turnover is growing, we can monitor it against the threshold and let you know when registration is needed, so you avoid late registration issues.
Can you File VAT Returns with HMRC?
Yes. We submit through MTD-compatible software under your authorisation, or prepare returns for your own submission. You keep control of the sign-off, and we only submit once you have reviewed the figures and approved the return.
Which VAT Schemes do you Support?
Standard, Flat Rate, Cash Accounting, Annual Accounting and Margin schemes, plus partial exemption. We can also help you choose a suitable scheme and explain how it may affect your cash flow and administration.
Which Accounting Software do you Use?
Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, FreeAgent, AutoEntry, TaxCalc and Excel. We work with the system you already use, and our focus is on keeping your digital records compatible with Making Tax Digital requirements.
Can you Manage Multiple VAT Registrations?
Yes, for accountancy firms and group structures. Each registration is handled separately with its own records, reconciliations and deadlines, so everything stays organised and clearly reported.
Do you Support Import and Export VAT?
Yes, including postponed VAT accounting, import VAT certificates and export documentation. We also review reverse charge transactions where relevant, so each return reflects the correct VAT treatment of your cross-border activity.
Can you Correct VAT Errors and Support us During an HMRC Inspection?
Yes. We handle error corrections and voluntary disclosures. We also prepare reconciliations, working papers and schedules for HMRC inspections. Because we keep workings, reconciliations and approvals organised throughout the year, it is easier to respond clearly if HMRC asks questions.