Completing and submitting a VAT return
In this section:
Register for email VAT reminders and alerts
If you file your VAT return online, you can register to receive emails that:
- remind you that your VAT return will soon be due
- update you with VAT information, including the latest changes in VAT notices
This guide will show you what you need to do to receive these email reminders and alerts.
On this page:
- Advantages of using the VAT online services
- Receive email VAT return reminders to tell you that your VAT return is due
- Receive email alerts to keep up to date with the latest VAT developments
- VAT online demonstration
Advantages of using the VAT online services
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) now offers a number of VAT-related services online. You can:
- register for VAT online
- file your VAT returns online
- receive email VAT return reminders to tell you that your VAT return will soon be due
- receive email alerts to keep up to date with the latest VAT developments
- change your VAT payment options
- amend your VAT registration details
Compared with receiving a VAT return form in the post, filling it in by hand and posting it to HMRC, filing a VAT return online is:
- easier
- faster
- more secure
- more efficient
- helpful for your cashflow
Receive email VAT return reminders to tell you that your VAT return is due
If you already file your VAT return online, we can automatically send you an email to remind you that your VAT return will soon be due. This email reminder will help you to make sure that you are not penalised for late filing of your VAT return or late VAT payments. If you used to receive a paper VAT return, this email reminder will replace it.
All you need to do to receive email reminders is to log on to the VAT online service and add your email address in the appropriate box.
Find out how to set up an online account
Receive email alerts to keep up to date with the latest VAT developments
We can automatically send you emails that will update you about changes to the VAT rules.
All you need to do to receive email VAT alerts is to log on to the VAT online service and add your email address in the appropriate box.
Find out how to set up an online account
VAT online demonstration
There is an online demonstration of the VAT online service at the HMRC website.
This demonstration uses screenshots to show you how you can use the VAT online service to:
- register for the VAT online service
- submit your VAT return using the VAT online service
- set up email reminders and alerts
- change your VAT payment options
- notify HMRC of changes to your VAT registration
