If your business exceeds the VAT registration threshold for taxable goods and services sales in the UK, it becomes legally required to register for VAT and submit regular VAT returns to HMRC. Even if below the compulsory threshold, many businesses voluntarily register to reclaim VAT paid on expenses.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll examine VAT registration duties and rules in the UK, who must submit VAT returns, filing procedures and deadlines, available schemes, and consequences of VAT non-compliance. Read on for a detailed overview of UK VAT compliance.
What Are VAT Returns?
Filing a VAT return entails submitting a report that summarizes total VAT collected from sales along with VAT paid on business purchases over the reporting period. This must reconcile against financial records. The net VAT owed or eligible for refund is then calculated.
Returns must be completed with meticulous accuracy and submitted on time based on supporting sales documentation. Late filing risks penalties from HMRC. VAT returns help ensure the VAT liability is fulfilled for goods and services provided in the UK.
Who Must Submit VAT Returns?
Any UK business that exceeds the current VAT registration threshold of £85,000 in VAT taxable sales over the prior 12 rolling months must register for VAT and file returns. This includes non-profit organizations and charities if annual taxable trading income exceeds the threshold. Some businesses voluntarily VAT register under the threshold to reclaim VAT on expenses.
If uncertain whether your business’s turnover requires compulsory VAT registration, thoroughly consult the VAT Registration guides published on gov.uk. Use the VAT thresholds tool to conservatively estimate taxable sales as you near the £85,000 limit. To avoid penalties, ensure you register on time if totals exceed the compulsory threshold.
Standard VAT Return UK Deadlines
The normal VAT return filing frequency for established UK businesses is quarterly. This means VAT collected and paid must be calculated separately for each individual quarter (Q1 covering January-March, Q2 covering April-June etc), then reported and paid to HMRC.
Quarterly VAT return deadlines fall one month and 7 days after the end of each period. For periods ending March, the deadline is May 7th. Different deadlines apply if filing monthly or annually.
Steps to Submit VAT Returns On Time
Follow this standard sequence to successfully complete and file periodic VAT returns:
- Maintain meticulous sales and purchase records with invoices/receipts that support all transactions listed. Retain in case of future HMRC audits.
- Calculate total VAT collected from sales of goods and services for the period. Reconcile this against bookkeeping records as outputs need to match.
- Calculate total VAT paid to suppliers and HMRC on business expenses. Confirm this aligns with invoices as inputs.
- Subtract total VAT input claims from VAT outputs to determine net amount owed to HMRC, or potential refund.
- Use HMRC’s free software to submit figures online by the deadline. Alternatively, accounting software can automate filing.
- Review the completed return thoroughly for accuracy before sending to prevent delays receiving refunds.
- Pay any net VAT owed by the due date after filing to avoid late payment penalties.
Consequences of VAT Return Non-Compliance
It is imperative registered entities file complete and accurate VAT returns on time to avoid HMRC enforcement actions and penalties. Potential penalties and risks of non-compliance include:
- Automatic initial late filing penalties up to £400 plus additional fines for sustained late submissions.
- Surcharges up to 15% of the VAT amount owed for late payment of liabilities. This is on top of repaying the tax owed.
- VAT assessments arbitrarily issued by HMRC for lack of filing creating estimated tax bills that often require appeal.
- Increased likelihood of comprehensive VAT inspections and thorough tax audits by HMRC with errors leading to heavy backdated tax bills plus sizable penalties.
- Delays in refunds owed until filing and payment compliance is corrected.
- Potential de-registration by HMRC eventually for continual gross non-compliance, although tax owed will still be pursued.
Avoid Penalties Through VAT Return Support
There are certain VAT schemes like Flat Rate and Cash Accounting that can simplify compliance requirements for smaller businesses. However, professional advice is recommended to ensure full compliance is maintained and exposure is minimized.
Shortfalls in accounting resources or knowledge should not prevent meeting mandatory VAT return filing and payment obligations – which carry stiff penalties if ignored. Let an expert handle submissions, payments, and advising strategies to legally minimize VAT owed. Stay compliant and focused on business growth by leveraging support.