VAT Returns
Everything You Need to Know About VAT Returns
If you're looking for help with your VAT returns, you're probably asking one of two questions.
Either:
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"How do VAT returns actually work?" or "Can someone take care of my VAT returns for me?"
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The good news is that VAT returns don't have to be complicated.
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At Treggena, we help businesses across the UK prepare, review and submit their VAT returns, while explaining everything in plain English so you always know exactly where your business stands.
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Whether you've recently registered for VAT, have been VAT registered for years or simply want a new accountant to manage your VAT, we're here to make the process straightforward.
What Is A VAT Return?
If you've recently become VAT registered, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is:
"What actually is a VAT return?"
A VAT return is a report submitted to HMRC that shows:
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How much VAT your business has charged customers.
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How much VAT your business has paid on eligible business purchases.
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Whether your business needs to pay VAT to HMRC or whether you're due a VAT refund.
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Think of it as a summary of your VAT activity over a particular period.
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Here's a simple example.
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Imagine your business has charged customers £4,000 in VAT during the last three months.​
During that same period, you've paid £2,500 in VAT on eligible business purchases.​
When your VAT return is prepared, HMRC compares those two figures.​
In this example, your business would normally pay the difference of £1,500 to HMRC.
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Every business is different, which is why it's important that your VAT return is prepared accurately and reflects your business correctly.
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At Treggena, we'll prepare your VAT returns, explain how the figures have been calculated and submit everything to HMRC on your behalf.
Who Needs To Submit VAT Returns?
If your business is VAT registered, you'll normally need to submit VAT returns to HMRC.
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This applies whether you're:
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A sole trader.
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A limited company.
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A partnership.
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A growing business with employees.
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Even if there's no VAT to pay for that period, you'll usually still need to submit a VAT return.
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If you're unsure whether your business should be VAT registered in the first place, we've written a complete guide explaining when VAT registration becomes necessary and how the process works.
Read our guide: How To Register For VAT
How Often Do VAT Returns Need To Be Submitted?
For most businesses, VAT returns are submitted every three months.
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Each VAT return covers a specific accounting period and has a deadline for both submitting the return and paying any VAT that's due.
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It's important to meet these deadlines because HMRC operates a points-based penalty system for late VAT returns, and interest may also apply if VAT is paid late.
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When Treggena manages your VAT, we'll keep track of your deadlines, prepare your VAT return and make sure everything is submitted on time.
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That means you don't need to worry about remembering dates or keeping up with changing VAT rules.
What Information Is Needed To Prepare A
VAT Return?
Preparing a VAT return starts with keeping accurate business records.
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We'll normally use information such as:
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✔ Sales invoices.
✔ Purchase invoices.
✔ Business expenses.
✔ VAT charged to customers.
✔ VAT paid on eligible business purchases.
✔ Credit notes and adjustments where applicable.
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Once we've reviewed your records, we'll prepare your VAT return, explain anything that needs clarifying and submit it to HMRC on your behalf.
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Our aim is to make the process as straightforward as possible while giving you confidence that everything has been completed accurately.
How Are VAT Returns Submitted?
Most VAT returns are now submitted digitally through Making Tax Digital (MTD).
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This means VAT-registered businesses are required to keep digital records and submit their VAT returns using compatible software.
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The good news is that you don't need to worry about the technical side of Making Tax Digital when Treggena manages your VAT.
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We'll prepare your VAT return using compatible software, submit it directly to HMRC and let you know once everything has been completed.
Not Sure Where Your Business Stands?
If you're unsure whether your business is VAT registered correctly, approaching the VAT threshold or simply want a second opinion on your current VAT position, we're here to help.
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Our FREE VAT Review gives you the opportunity to speak to one of our accountants, ask any VAT-related questions and gain a clearer understanding of where your business stands.
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There's no obligation, no pressure and no confusing jargon.
Just straightforward advice from a team that's here to help.
What Happens After Your VAT Return Has Been Submitted?
One of the questions we're often asked is:
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"What happens after my VAT return has been submitted?"
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Once your VAT return has been sent to HMRC, they'll review the information you've provided.
From there, one of three things will usually happen:
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Your business owes VAT
If you've collected more VAT from your customers than you've paid on eligible business purchases, you'll normally need to pay the difference to HMRC before the payment deadline.
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HMRC owes your business a VAT refund
If you've paid more VAT on eligible business purchases than you've collected from customers, you may be due a VAT refund.
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Once HMRC has processed your VAT return, they'll normally arrange for the refund to be paid directly to your nominated bank account.
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Nothing else is required
Once your VAT return has been submitted and any VAT has been paid (or refunded), there's usually nothing else you need to do until your next VAT period begins.
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At Treggena, we'll let you know exactly what your VAT position is before your return is submitted, so you'll always understand what's happening and won't receive any unexpected surprises.
What Happens If You Submit Your VAT Return Late?
Life gets busy.
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Whether you've been away, focused on your business or simply forgotten the deadline, submitting a VAT return late can happen.
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The important thing is not to ignore it.
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HMRC operates a points-based penalty system for late VAT returns.
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Each time a VAT return is submitted late, your business may receive a penalty point.
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If enough points are built up, HMRC can issue financial penalties.
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If VAT is also paid late, interest may be charged on the outstanding amount.
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The good news is that the sooner the situation is dealt with, the easier it usually is to resolve.
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If you've missed a VAT deadline or you're unsure what to do next, we're always happy to help.
Common VAT Return Mistakes
Preparing a VAT return is about much more than entering figures into software.
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Small mistakes can sometimes lead to unnecessary delays, incorrect VAT calculations or questions from HMRC.
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Some of the most common mistakes include:
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✔ Missing purchase invoices.
✔ Recording the wrong VAT rate.
✔ Forgetting to include sales.
✔ Claiming VAT where it isn't recoverable.
✔ Missing the submission deadline.
✔ Poor record keeping throughout the quarter.
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Most of these mistakes can be avoided by keeping accurate records and reviewing your VAT information before it's submitted.
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At Treggena, we'll review your records carefully before every VAT return, helping to reduce the risk of errors and giving you confidence that everything has been completed correctly.
Why Businesses Choose Treggena To Manage Their VAT Returns
Choosing someone to manage your VAT isn't just about submitting returns every few months.
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It's about having someone you can speak to whenever you have a question.
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At Treggena, we believe accountancy should be proactive, not reactive.
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That means we're here throughout the year—not just when your VAT return is due.
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When you choose Treggena, we'll:
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✔ Prepare and submit your VAT returns.
✔ Monitor your VAT deadlines.
✔ Explain everything in plain English.
✔ Answer your VAT questions whenever you need us.
✔ Help you understand your VAT position as your business grows.
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Our goal is simple.
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To make VAT one less thing for you to worry about.
Already VAT Registered?
When Was The Last Time Your VAT Was Reviewed?
Preparing a VAT return and reviewing your VAT position are two completely different things.
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Your business naturally changes over time.
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You may start using different suppliers, invest in equipment, change the way you invoice customers or even move onto a different VAT scheme.
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That's why we offer every eligible business the opportunity to book a FREE VAT Review.
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We'll take a fresh look at how your business operates today, answer any questions you have and help you understand whether there are any areas that may be worth reviewing further.
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Sometimes a review simply confirms that everything is already being managed correctly.
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Sometimes it identifies opportunities that are worth exploring.
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Either way, you'll leave with a much clearer understanding of your VAT position.
Learn more about our FREE VAT Review.
How Treggena Manages Your VAT Returns
Choosing someone to prepare your VAT returns isn't just about making sure they're submitted on time.
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It's about knowing your business is supported throughout the year.
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At Treggena, we don't just prepare your VAT returns every few months and disappear until the next deadline.
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We're here whenever you have a question, whether it's about your current VAT return, your business changing or simply something you're unsure about.
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When you work with us, we'll:
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✔ Prepare and submit your VAT returns.
✔ Monitor your VAT deadlines.
✔ Explain everything in plain English.
✔ Keep you informed throughout the year.
✔ Answer your VAT questions whenever you need us.
✔ Help your business stay compliant as it grows.
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Our aim is simple.
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To give you complete confidence that your VAT is being looked after, allowing you to spend more time focusing on running your business.
What Information Do We Need From You?
One of the biggest concerns business owners have is:
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"How much do I actually need to do?"
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The good news is that it's usually much less than people expect.
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We'll let you know exactly what information we need before each VAT return is prepared.
This normally includes things such as:
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Your sales records.
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Purchase invoices.
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Business expenses.
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Any additional information that may affect your VAT return.
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If anything is missing, we'll let you know in plenty of time so everything can be submitted before the deadline.
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Our aim is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Why Accurate VAT Records Matter
Keeping accurate VAT records doesn't just make preparing your VAT return easier.
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It also helps ensure your business remains compliant and reduces the likelihood of problems later on.
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Good record keeping allows your VAT returns to be prepared accurately and gives you a clearer understanding of how your business is performing.
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If your records are currently disorganised, don't worry.
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Many businesses start in exactly the same position.
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We'll explain what's needed and help you put a simple process in place moving forward.
Ready To Take The Stress Out Of Your VAT Returns?
Whether you're looking for someone to prepare your VAT returns, register your business for VAT or simply answer a question, we'd be delighted to help.
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At Treggena, we believe VAT should be straightforward.
We'll explain everything in plain English, keep you informed throughout the year and make sure your VAT is managed accurately and on time.