VAT services

VAT Returns & VAT Registration

Straightforward VAT support, from registering for VAT and getting set up properly to preparing and submitting your ongoing VAT returns.

VAT can introduce a new layer of responsibility as your business grows. We'll help you understand what needs to happen, make sure you're set up appropriately and deal with the ongoing returns.

Whether we maintain your bookkeeping or you keep your own records, we can prepare your VAT returns, deal with queries and explain what needs to be paid and when.

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Approaching the VAT threshold?

VAT registration isn't something you want to discover after the deadline has already passed.

If your taxable turnover is approaching the VAT registration threshold, we can keep an eye on the position with you and advise when registration becomes necessary.

We'll explain what registration means for your business, deal with the registration itself and help you make the changes needed once you're VAT registered.

Voluntary VAT registration

You don't always have to wait until VAT registration becomes compulsory.

Some businesses choose to register voluntarily before reaching the threshold. Whether that makes sense depends on the business, its customers, costs and wider circumstances.

If voluntary registration is worth considering, we'll talk through the implications with you rather than recommending registration simply because it's available.

What we'll take care of

VAT registration: We'll deal with the registration process and help you understand what changes from your effective date of registration.
Preparing your VAT return: We'll prepare the return using either the bookkeeping records we maintain for you or the records you maintain yourself.
Reviewing your records: If you maintain your own bookkeeping, we'll review the relevant records and raise queries where something needs clarifying before the return is submitted.
VAT schemes: We'll consider the VAT accounting arrangements relevant to your circumstances, including the Flat Rate Scheme where appropriate.
Making Tax Digital for VAT: We'll make sure the VAT return is dealt with through the appropriate MTD-compatible process.
Submitting to HMRC: Once the return is ready, we'll submit it to HMRC.
What you need to pay: We'll tell you the VAT liability and relevant payment deadline so you know what needs to be paid and when.

Standard VAT or Flat Rate Scheme?

Not every business accounts for VAT in exactly the same way.

Most businesses account for the VAT charged to customers and VAT incurred on eligible purchases under the normal VAT rules. Some smaller businesses may instead be eligible to use the Flat Rate Scheme, which calculates the amount payable to HMRC differently.

We'll consider the appropriate approach for your circumstances and explain what it means in practice.

VAT return deadlines

Usually every 3 months: Most VAT-registered businesses submit a VAT return for each three-month accounting period.
1 month + 7 days: The normal deadline for submitting the return online is one calendar month and seven days after the end of the VAT accounting period.
Payment: The usual payment deadline is the same as the filing deadline.

Your actual VAT periods and deadlines depend on your VAT arrangements. We'll let you know when your return and payment are due.

Last reviewed: September 2026

VAT return deadlines (GOV.UK)

Making Tax Digital for VAT

VAT reporting is now digital for VAT-registered businesses unless an exemption applies.

VAT records need to be maintained digitally and VAT returns submitted using compatible software. If we deal with your VAT returns, we'll make sure the filing process meets the relevant Making Tax Digital requirements.

Want us to deal with the bookkeeping too?

If you'd rather not maintain the accounting records yourself, we can deal with the bookkeeping and VAT returns together.

We'll keep the agreed records up to date, reconcile the bank and deal with queries as they arise. Because we're maintaining the underlying records, we can then use them to prepare the VAT return as part of the same ongoing service.

Find out more about Bookkeeping

VAT deregistration and changes

VAT isn't necessarily something a business remains registered for forever.

If your circumstances change, we can consider whether deregistration is appropriate and deal with the application where required. We can also help where a change to the way you account for VAT needs to be considered.

Cancelling VAT registration (GOV.UK)

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