VAT returns & Making Tax Digital
VAT Deadline Compliance & Penalty Avoidance
VAT deadlines are fixed, but the paperwork often is not. This service keeps your VAT returns on track with planned checks, clear responsibilities and on-time submission, so you reduce the risk of HMRC penalty points, interest and avoidable stress.
More information
What VAT deadline compliance & penalty avoidance covers
This is practical, deadline-led support to help you file accurately and on time, every VAT period.
- Confirm your VAT scheme, return periods and submission and payment deadlines.
- Set up a simple deadline schedule with reminders and agreed cut-off dates for getting records in.
- Check your bookkeeping is VAT-ready (coding, VAT rates, partial exemptions where relevant).
- Reconcile key balances (such as the VAT control account) and spot anomalies before filing.
- Prepare and submit your VAT return through Making Tax Digital compatible software.
- Keep a clear digital audit trail so figures can be explained if HMRC query them.
- Flag likely payment amounts early so you can plan cashflow.
- Support with late or missing information so you can get back to a compliant routine.
When this service is most useful
- You are VAT registered and want confidence that every return is filed on time.
- You have received late submission penalty points or warnings and want to stop them building.
- Your VAT position is more complex (mixed rates, ecommerce, international sales, frequent expenses).
- Bookkeeping tends to slip until the deadline is close.
- You are changing software or moving to a more structured digital process.
How the service is delivered
- Agree who does what: what you will provide, what will be checked, and when.
- Collect or connect your records (usually via cloud bookkeeping and digital receipts).
- Run pre-deadline reviews to fix coding issues and missing entries before the return is prepared.
- Share the VAT figures for your approval, then submit to HMRC and confirm submission.
- Provide clear next steps if anything needs correcting, such as bookkeeping tidy-ups or process changes.
After each VAT return
- Provide a short summary of the return and any areas to watch next period.
- Identify recurring issues that create errors or delays, and tighten the process.
- Review whether your VAT scheme still suits your business as it changes.
- Keep future deadlines visible so VAT stops being a last-minute task.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key VAT deadlines I need to meet?
Most VAT returns and payments are due one month and seven days after the end of the VAT period, but this can vary by scheme. We confirm your specific deadlines and keep them scheduled so nothing is missed.
Do you submit the VAT return to HMRC for me?
Yes, once authority is in place we can submit the VAT return through MTD-compatible software. You will see the figures before submission, and you will get confirmation once it has been filed.
What if my records are not up to date near the deadline?
We will prioritise what is needed to complete an accurate return and agree a short plan to catch up the backlog. If key information is missing, we will explain the risk of filing late versus filing incorrect figures and help you choose the safest option.
Can you help if I have already received VAT penalty points or a surcharge notice?
Yes, we can review what has triggered the points or notice and put controls in place to prevent repeats. Where appropriate, we can help you prepare information for an appeal, but outcomes are at HMRC’s discretion.
Does this service cover Making Tax Digital requirements?
Yes, the service supports MTD filing and the digital record-keeping needed to stay compliant. We will also highlight where digital links or bookkeeping processes need tightening to meet MTD expectations.
Related Services
Complete your experience with these services
