VAT Annual Accounting Scheme
Return and payment deadlines
Check your VAT Return and payment deadlines in your HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online account.
VAT Return deadline
There are 12 months in your VAT accounting period. Your VAT Return is due once a year, 2 months after the end of your accounting period.
Most businesses now need to keep digital VAT records and use software to submit VAT Returns.
Payment deadlines
You must make advance payments towards your VAT bill (either monthly or quarterly) during your accounting period and a final payment when you submit your VAT Return.
| Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Due at the end of months 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 |
| Quarterly | Due at the end of months 4, 7 and 10 |
| Final payment | Within 2 months of month 12 |
How much do you pay
Each payment is either 10% of your estimated VAT bill (monthly payments) or 25% (quarterly payments). The amount is based on previous VAT returns (or estimated if you’re new to VAT).
HMRC will write telling you when your instalments are due and how much they’ll be.
The final payment (known as a ‘balancing payment’) is the difference between your advance payments and the actual VAT bill confirmed on your VAT Return.
You may be due a VAT refund if you’ve overpaid HMRC.
You must pay VAT to HMRC electronically, for example by Direct Debit or internet banking.