Introduction to VAT Online for Agents

This section covers how to register and enrol for the VAT Online service so you can submit your clients VAT Returns online. It does not relate to registering your clients’ businesses for VAT.

You can find information about how to register your clients’ businesses for VAT in the VAT section.

Registration for our online services is straightforward and uses safeguards to protect your privacy and ensure your details are secure. Agents are currently required to be VAT registered in their own right to act as a VAT Online Agent.

Many businesses have already discovered the benefits of completing and submitting their clients' VAT Returns online. It's simple, quick and you get an immediate on-screen acknowledgement so you know we have received their declaration.

Other advantages of the VAT Online service include:

  • your clients can nominate you to submit VAT Returns on their behalf
  • available day or night
  • automatic calculations to reduce errors
  • receive email reminders when their VAT Return is due
  • enrol and submit their return immediately - Activation PIN not required
  • notify us of changes to their VAT registered business
  • they may get up to seven extra calendar days* to submit their VAT Return and pay
  • subscribers to our Direct Debit facility get an additional three working days* before we collect payment

* The extension and online Direct Debit service are not available if they use the Annual Accounting system or have to make payments on account and submit quarterly returns.

Details required to register are available on a copy of their last VAT Return and their VAT 4 Certificate of Registration.

It is a condition of submitting their VAT Return online that they pay electronically. Acceptable payment methods are:

  • Direct Debit
  • BACS Direct Credit (including Internet & Telephone Banking)
  • CHAPS
  • Bank Giro

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