VAT returns done right — on time, every time
From registering for VAT to filing under Making Tax Digital, Hulljady Chartered Accountants takes the complexity out of VAT compliance — so you can focus on running your business.
WHAT WE DO
VAT services for UK businesses
Whether you’re registering for the first time, struggling with Making Tax Digital, or facing a VAT inspection, Hulljady has the experience to handle it all.
VAT Return Preparation & Filing
Accurate preparation and submission of your VAT returns directly to HMRC via MTD-compliant software — every quarter, without fail.
VAT Registration & Deregistration
We handle the entire registration process with HMRC, advise on the optimal registration date, and manage deregistration when the time comes.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) Setup
We set you up with MTD-compatible software, migrate your existing records, and ensure your digital links are HMRC-compliant before your first MTD submission.
VAT Scheme Selection
Flat Rate, Cash Accounting, Annual Accounting, or Margin Scheme — we analyse your business model and identify which VAT scheme saves you the most money.
VAT Health Checks & Reviews
A thorough review of your VAT position to identify errors, missed input tax reclaims, and opportunities to reduce your VAT bill before HMRC spots them first.
HMRC VAT Enquiry Support
If HMRC opens a VAT compliance check or investigation, we manage all correspondence, prepare your response, and represent you at any tribunal if required.
KEY DATES
VAT deadlines you cannot afford to miss
HMRC’s VAT penalty regime changed in January 2023. Late submission and late payment now carry separate, cumulative penalties — the stakes are higher than ever.
SAVE MORE VAT
VAT schemes that could reduce your bill
Most businesses default to the standard VAT scheme when a specialist scheme could significantly cut their VAT liability or simplify their admin. Here are the main options.
Flat Rate Scheme
Pay a fixed percentage of your gross turnover as VAT rather than calculating VAT on every transaction. Ideal for service businesses with limited VAT-able costs — many businesses profit from the difference.
Cash Accounting Scheme
Pay VAT only when your customer pays you, not when you invoice. Protects cash flow for businesses with slow-paying customers or those vulnerable to bad debts.
Annual Accounting Scheme
File just one VAT return per year instead of four, with advance payments spread throughout the year. Dramatically reduces paperwork for smaller businesses.
Retail Schemes
Designed for businesses that sell to the public and cannot practically issue a VAT invoice for every sale. Point of sale, apportionment, and direct calculation methods available.
Margin Scheme
Dealers in second-hand goods, antiques, art, or collectibles pay VAT only on their profit margin rather than the full selling price — a substantial saving for eligible businesses.
VAT on Imports & Exports
Post-Brexit VAT rules for cross-border trade are complex. We advise on postponed VAT accounting, place of supply rules, and the VAT treatment of international services.
WHY HULLJADY
VAT expertise you can rely on, quarter after quarter
VAT is one of the most error-prone areas of UK tax compliance. A missed return, a misclassified supply, or an overlooked input claim can be costly. Our team monitors your position actively — not just at quarter-end.
- MTD-compliant filing on every return, every time
- Proactive advice on scheme changes and rate updates
- Input tax reclaim reviews to recover what you're owed
- Named accountant who knows your business inside out
- HMRC agent access — we deal directly so you don't have to
COMMON QUESTIONS
VAT returns — frequently asked questions
Do I have to register for VAT?
For most small and medium-sized companies, corporation tax must be paid 9 months and 1 day after the end of your accounting period. For example, if your year-end is 31 March, payment is due by 1 January the following year. Large companies — broadly those with profits over £1.5 million — must pay in quarterly instalments during the accounting period itself.
What is Making Tax Digital for VAT?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT requires all VAT-registered businesses to keep digital records and submit their returns using MTD-compatible software. It has been mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses since April 2022, regardless of turnover. HMRC will not accept manual submissions — penalties apply for non-compliance.
How often do I need to file a VAT return?
Most businesses file quarterly VAT returns, with the period aligning to one of three stagger groups set by HMRC. If you regularly receive VAT repayments, you may benefit from filing monthly returns to improve cash flow. The Annual Accounting Scheme allows eligible businesses to file just one return per year.
Can I reclaim VAT on business expenses?
Yes — as a VAT-registered business you can reclaim the VAT you have paid on goods and services purchased for business use. Some costs are blocked (such as cars used privately and client entertainment), and you can only reclaim the business proportion of mixed-use costs. Our VAT health checks often uncover input tax that businesses have been consistently under-claiming.
What happens if I make a mistake on a VAT return?
If you discover an error on a previous VAT return, you can correct it on your next return if the net error is below £10,000 (or below 1% of box 6 turnover up to £50,000). Larger errors must be reported separately using form VAT652. Voluntary disclosure is treated more leniently than errors found during an inspection — another reason to conduct regular reviews.
What is a VAT inspection and how should I prepare?
HMRC carries out VAT compliance checks either at your premises or by correspondence. Inspectors typically review your VAT records, invoices, and returns for a specified period. The best preparation is accurate record-keeping and regular internal reviews — which Hulljady provides as part of our ongoing VAT service. If HMRC contacts you, we recommend speaking to us before responding.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Never miss a VAT deadline again
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and find out how Hulljady can take VAT off your plate — so you can get back to growing your business.
2025/26 TAX YEAR
UK VAT rates at a glance
Not all goods and services are taxed at the same rate. Knowing which rate applies to your sales is essential — getting it wrong can mean paying too much, or facing penalties for underdeclaring.