VAT returns
MTD-compliant VAT returns for £50 + VAT a quarter
You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any 12-month period. From then on you file a VAT return, usually every quarter, through Making Tax Digital (MTD) software.
Trust Ledger Accounting prepares and submits each return for £50 + VAT, within 5 working days of your quarter's records being complete.
| Fixed fee | £50 + VAT per quarterly return, or included in our Standard and Complete packages |
|---|---|
| Turnaround | 5 working days from complete records, or 2 working days with express (+£50 + VAT) |
| Registration threshold | Taxable turnover over £90,000 in 12 months |
| Return and payment deadline | Usually 1 calendar month and 7 days after the end of the VAT period |
What is included
- Accurate calculation of your VAT liability or refund
- A check of every VAT claim against your invoices and receipts
- Preparation and submission of MTD-compliant VAT returns
- Guidance on VAT registration and de-registration
- Advice on VAT schemes such as the Flat Rate Scheme and Cash Accounting
- Handling communication with HMRC about your VAT
Thresholds worth knowing
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| You must register for VAT | Taxable turnover over £90,000 |
| You can ask to de-register | Taxable turnover under £88,000 |
| Flat Rate Scheme | Open to businesses with VAT-exclusive turnover of £150,000 or less |
| Cash Accounting Scheme | Open to businesses with taxable turnover of £1.35 million or less |
Source: GOV.UK, VAT thresholds.
Late returns and late payment
HMRC uses a points system. Each late return earns 1 penalty point. A business filing quarterly gets a £200 penalty when it reaches 4 points, and a further £200 for each late return after that. VAT paid more than 15 days late also attracts a late payment penalty, plus interest.
What we need from you
- Sales invoices and purchase receipts for the period
- Access to your bookkeeping or bank feed
- Your VAT registration number
- Authorisation for us to act as your agent with HMRC
VAT returns are simplest when your books are kept up to date, so many clients pair this with our bookkeeping service. See all prices on the pricing page.
Figures checked against GOV.UK and last updated on .
Enquire about VAT returns
Common questions
When do I have to register for VAT?
You must register when your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or when you expect it to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days alone.
Can I register for VAT voluntarily?
Yes. A business below the threshold can register voluntarily, which lets it reclaim VAT on its costs. Whether that helps depends on who your customers are, and we can talk it through.
How much does a VAT return cost?
£50 + VAT for each quarterly return. Quarterly VAT returns are included in our Standard package at £119 + VAT a month and our Complete package at £150 + VAT a month.
What is Making Tax Digital for VAT?
Making Tax Digital requires every VAT-registered business to keep digital records and submit returns through compatible software. We file through FreeAgent, which is MTD-compatible.
How often are VAT returns filed?
Most businesses file every 3 months. The return and any payment are usually due 1 calendar month and 7 days after the VAT period ends.