VAT Annual Accounting Scheme
Return and payment deadlines
Check your VAT Return and payment deadlines in your HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online account.
There are usually 12 months in your VAT accounting period.
VAT Return deadline
If your accounting period is between 4 and 12 months long, your VAT Return is due 2 months after the end of your accounting period.
If your accounting period is less than 4 months long, your VAT Return is due 1 month 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
If your accounting period is between 4 and 12 months long, you must make advance payments towards your VAT bill (either monthly or quarterly) 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, or within 2 months of the end of your accounting period if it’s 4 to 11 months long |
If your accounting period is less than 4 months long you do not need to make advance payments. Your final payment is due within 1 month of the end of your accounting period.
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.