VAT Accountants and VAT Return Services
Getting VAT wrong is expensive. We'll match you with a local accountant who'll register you at the right time, pick the best scheme for your business and file your returns.
When do you need to register for VAT?
You must register for VAT if your VAT-taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or you expect it to in the next 30 days alone. You have 30 days from the end of the month you went over to register. Some businesses register voluntarily below the threshold to reclaim VAT on their costs.
Choosing a VAT scheme
- Standard accounting: you pay VAT on invoices you've raised and reclaim it on purchases
- Cash accounting: you only pay VAT once your customers have paid you
- Flat Rate Scheme: you pay a fixed percentage of turnover, which can be simpler (but watch out for the limited cost trader rate)
- Annual accounting: one VAT return a year, with interim payments
The right one depends on your margins, your customers and how you get paid. An accountant can compare them for you.
VAT returns and Making Tax Digital
All VAT-registered businesses have to keep digital records and file VAT returns through Making Tax Digital compatible software. Returns are usually quarterly and due one month and seven days after the end of each period, which is also when the VAT must be paid.
VAT questions
How much does an accountant charge for VAT returns?
As a rough guide, from around £75 to £250 per quarterly return, depending on how many transactions you have and whether your bookkeeping is already done.
What happens if I register for VAT late?
HMRC will backdate your registration to when you should have registered, and you'll owe the VAT you should have charged from then, plus possible penalties. An accountant can help put it right.
Tell us what you need
Answer a few quick questions and we'll pass your enquiry to a local accountancy firm that covers your area. It's free and there's no obligation.
- Usually a reply within one working day
- One local firm, not a flood of calls
- You decide whether to go ahead
Other ways an accountant can help
Self Assessment tax returns
Get your tax return done right and on time, with every allowance and expense claimed.
Sole trader accountants
Accounts, tax returns and expenses for the self-employed, plus help with Making Tax Digital.
Limited company accountants
Year-end accounts, corporation tax, director pay planning and Companies House filings.
Making Tax Digital
Software, digital records and quarterly updates sorted for sole traders and landlords.
Landlord accountants
Rental income, mortgage interest, Capital Gains Tax and property company advice.