VDSOG400 - Deadlines for filing returns and making payments

Virtually all VAT registered taxpayers must submit online VAT returns and pay any VAT due electronically. Taxpayers should only file a paper return or pay by cheque if they have been advised by HMRC that they are exempt from online filing.

The due date for online returns and electronic payments is normally one calendar month and seven days after the end of the VAT accounting period. This date is shown clearly on VAT returns.

For example, for the 06/16 accounting period:

  • the accounting period start date is 1 April 2016
  • the accounting period end date is 30 June 2016
  • the due date is 7 August, one calendar month and seven days after the end of the accounting period.

The due date for taxpayers who file their returns annually is two calendar months after the end of the VAT accounting period.

Where a taxpayer uses non-standard tax periods (NSTP) the due date for online filing will normally be one calendar month and seven days after the end of the VAT accounting period, for example tax period ends 28/03/2016 the due date would be 04/05/2016.

Payments on Account

Taxpayers with an annual VAT liability of more than £2.3m are required to make payments on account at the end of the second and third months of each VAT accounting period and a balancing payment for the quarter.

The due dates for payments on account are the last working day of the second and third months of every VAT quarterly accounting period. The taxpayer’s balancing payment due with their VAT return must clear to HMRC’s bank account by the last working day of the month following the end of the accounting period.

Important: Taxpayers making payments on account (POA) do not have seven days after the month end to make payment. For example, for the 06/16 accounting period:

  • the accounting period start date is 1 April 2016
  • the first payment on account is due on 31 May 2016
  • the second payment on account is due on 30 June 2016
  • the return and balancing payment are due on 31 July 2016.

Weekends and bank holidays

If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday, payment must clear into HMRCs bank account by the working day before the due date, unless the taxpayer’s bank allows faster payments on weekends or bank holidays.

Online direct debit

Taxpayers paying by online direct debit have payment collected from their bank account three working days after receipt of their return.

(This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000)