VAT Returns

Every VAT-registered business must file through Making Tax Digital software, and returns are normally due one calendar month and seven days after each period ends. Our VAT returns service covers the whole cycle — data checks, calculations, reconciliations and submission — while spotting the reclaim opportunities and errors that DIY returns miss.

VAT Return Services

- Quarterly VAT Returns: the standard cycle, prepared and filed on time - Monthly VAT Returns: often better for exporters and other repayment businesses, accelerating refunds - Annual VAT Returns: for businesses using the annual accounting scheme - VAT Calculations: accurate VAT due or repayable, with reconciliations to your accounts - Error Review: coding and treatment checks each period, so mistakes are corrected early and cheaply - MTD-Compliant Submissions: every return filed through MTD software with proper digital links

Deadlines and Penalties

Returns and payment are normally due one calendar month and seven days after the end of the VAT period. Late submissions accrue points under HMRC's penalty system, with financial penalties once you hit the threshold — and late payment brings its own charges and interest.

We manage the calendar for you: returns prepared ahead of the deadline, payment amounts confirmed early, and direct debits or payment plans arranged where useful.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) Compliance

MTD for VAT applies to all VAT-registered businesses: digital records, digital links between systems, and submission through compatible software are mandatory. We work in Xero (as a Gold Partner firm), Sage and QuickBooks, validate each return before submission, and review your record-keeping so the digital-links rules are actually met — not just assumed.

Our VAT Return Process

1. Data collection from your software or records 2. Coding and treatment review — where most VAT errors hide 3. Calculations and reconciliation to your accounts 4. Draft return for your approval, with the payment or repayment figure explained 5. MTD submission to HMRC 6. Payment planning and diary management for the next period

VAT Schemes

We prepare returns under all the main schemes — standard accounting, flat rate, cash accounting and annual accounting — and tell you when your numbers suggest a different scheme would leave you better off. Returns shouldn't just report the past; they should inform the next decision.

What You Get With Acumon

• Returns filed on time, every time — no penalty points
• MTD-compliant submissions via Xero, Sage or QuickBooks
• Coding and treatment reviews that catch errors and missed reclaims
• Repayment returns prioritised so refunds arrive faster
• Payment amounts confirmed early for cash flow planning
• Scheme suitability monitored as your business changes

Why Acumon for VAT Returns?

• All VAT returns submitted through MTD-compatible software — Xero, Sage and QuickBooks supported
• Quarterly, monthly and annual VAT return options
• Many of Acumon's VAT specialists previously worked for HMRC

Get a Fixed-Fee Quote

Tell us what you need and we'll come back within one business day with a clear scope and a fixed price — no hourly-rate surprises. Call 020 8567 3451 or use the form and we'll be in touch.