[]

Managing and paying your VAT online

Over the next few years VAT management will switch to online only and you'll need to make payment electronically. You can do this already, but it will become the only way to manage VAT some time after April 2010.

When deadline dates are fixed, we will clearly publicise them and work with businesses to make sure the changeover is smooth.

These changes are as a result of Lord Carter's review of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Online Services.

This guide explains how the changes will affect the way in which you:

  • file your VAT return
  • pay your VAT electronically
  • meet the deadlines that have been set to make these changes

 

On this page:

Switch to filing online

You can already file your VAT return online and pay your VAT electronically.

The VAT Online service is secure and convenient and may give you an extra seven days to pay. It's a good idea to consider switching now if you haven't already.

Find out how to register for VAT or file your VAT return online

Set up an HMRC online VAT account

Filing online and paying electronically will become the only way to manage your VAT. The deadlines will be no earlier than April 2010 and when you have to make the switch depends on your business situation.

If your turnover is more than £100,000, you will have to file your VAT returns online and pay your VAT electronically no later than the first deadline.

If your turnover is less than £100,000 or you are registered for VAT voluntarily (for example if your turnover is below the VAT threshold) you will be given more time to adapt to the new systems with a later deadline.

If you register for VAT after the deadline, you will have to file online and pay electronically straight away.

We will clearly publicise the deadline dates when they are confirmed.

Top

Pay your VAT electronically

When you send your VAT Returns online, you must also make payment electronically. Electronic payments are efficient and more secure than payment by post.

You can pay electronically by:

  • Bankers Automated Clearing Services (BACS)
  • Bank Giro Credit Transfer
  • Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS)
  • Direct Debit (DD)

If you pay by BACS, Bank Giro or CHAPS you may get up to seven extra calendar days from the standard due date for your return and payment to reach us.

If you choose to pay by DD you will receive seven calendar days from the standard due date for the return to reach us. It will be a further three working days before we collect payment from the nominated bank account.

Get more information about how to pay VAT

Top

Benefits of filing online

Filing your VAT return online is quick and secure. It means:

  • the system will calculate your tax liability for you
  • the online validation helps you to reduce errors
  • once the return is sent you get immediate confirmation of receipt
  • you may get an extra seven days if you file your VAT return on line

Read about the benefits of filing online and how the service works

Get help with online filing and VAT

You can find help and advice on all aspects on managing your VAT, filing online and paying electronically from our website.

Find out how to register for VAT or file your VAT return online

Access support and advice from our Online Services helpdesk

Browse the VAT section of our website

Give us feedback

If you would like give us your views on VAT online, use the feedback section of our site, choosing the VAT Online option from the menu.

Give us feedback on VAT Online

Top

Business Link access to better business | © Crown Copyright | Terms & conditions | Privacy policy | Accessibility | Directgov Straight through to public services