Sending a VAT Return
How to send your VAT Return
You must submit your VAT Return using accounting software that鈥檚 compatible with Making Tax Digital.
Check which accounting software you can use to submit your VAT return.
There are different ways to send your VAT Return if:
- you鈥檝e cancelled your VAT registration
- you鈥檙e exempt from Making Tax Digital for VAT
- your business is subject to an insolvency procedure
If you鈥檝e cancelled your VAT registration
You cannot send VAT Returns using Making Tax Digital software if you are no longer VAT registered. You鈥檒l need to send any returns using your VAT online account.
If you鈥檙e exempt from Making Tax Digital for VAT
You can only send your return by post or through your VAT online account if you have an exemption from Making Tax Digital for VAT.
For example if you:
- object to using computers on religious grounds
- do not have access to the internet
Find out how to send VAT Returns if you鈥檙e exempt.
HM Revenue and Customs can charge you a penalty of up to 拢400 if you send a paper VAT Return and you鈥檙e not exempt.
If your business is subject to an insolvency procedure
You must send a paper VAT Return unless you have either:
If you have either arrangement, you can choose to send a paper return or complete the return using your VAT online account.
After you鈥檝e sent your VAT return
You must pay your VAT bill by the deadline shown on your VAT Return.
You can use your VAT online account to check if HMRC has received your VAT return.