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VAT returns & Making Tax Digital

VAT Return Accuracy Review

A VAT Return Accuracy Review is a pre-submission check of your VAT return to help you file correctly and with confidence. It focuses on validating the figures, sense-checking the VAT treatment, and highlighting anything that needs fixing before you submit to HMRC.

More information

What the VAT Return Accuracy Review covers

A practical review designed to reduce errors and improve confidence in what you are filing.

  • Sense-check of output VAT, input VAT and the net VAT due or repayable
  • Review of key transactions and VAT coding for common problem areas
  • Checks for VAT schemes where relevant (for example Flat Rate or Cash Accounting)
  • Identification of missing invoices, duplicates, or unusual movements versus prior periods
  • High-level reconciliation prompts (for example VAT control and sales or purchase totals)
  • Clear feedback on adjustments needed before submission

When this service is a good fit

This review is most useful if you are:

  • Submitting your own VAT returns but want a second pair of eyes
  • New to VAT, recently registered, or have changed how you invoice or report
  • Unsure about VAT on mixed supplies, expenses, or cross-border sales and services
  • Seeing unexpected VAT liabilities or repayments
  • Catching up after busy periods and want to avoid avoidable mistakes

How the review works

You share your draft VAT return figures and the supporting reports or data (from your software or spreadsheets). We review the numbers, test key areas, and flag anything that looks incorrect or inconsistent. You receive a concise summary of findings and the actions to take before you file.

What happens after the review

You can make the suggested corrections and submit with more certainty. If recurring issues are found, you will also get practical recommendations to improve your bookkeeping process and VAT coding for the next period. If needed, we can agree further support for ongoing VAT compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to provide for the review?
Typically you will share the draft VAT return plus the key VAT reports or transaction listings that support it. If you use cloud software, exports are usually enough. We will confirm exactly what is needed based on your setup.
Will you submit the VAT return to HMRC for me?
This service focuses on reviewing your draft return before you submit. You remain in control of filing, with clear notes on what to change first. If you want us to handle submission, ask about ongoing VAT support.
What if you find errors or anything that looks wrong?
You will get a clear list of issues, why they matter, and what to amend before filing. Where the correct treatment is unclear, we will explain what information is needed to confirm it. You can then update the return and reshare figures if required.
Can you review VAT returns produced from Xero, QuickBooks or spreadsheets?
Yes, the review can be done using reports from most accounting software or well-structured spreadsheets. The key requirement is that the figures can be traced back to underlying transactions. We will guide you on the best exports to send.
How long does a VAT Return Accuracy Review take?
Timing depends on the complexity of your VAT position and how complete the records are. Many reviews can be turned around quickly once the right reports are provided. If you have a filing deadline, share it up front so the review can be scheduled appropriately.

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