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VAT Return Accountant
Your VAT returns prepared, checked and filed under Making Tax Digital, for a fixed fee
We register you for VAT, choose the scheme that saves you most, keep your records Making Tax Digital ready, and file every quarterly VAT return on time, so you never face a late penalty.
- Quarterly returns filed on time
- Best VAT scheme chosen
- Making Tax Digital ready
- Fixed fee, agreed first
Get your VAT returns fixed fee
Free, no obligation. We usually reply the same working day.
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How much do VAT returns cost with an accountant?
Choose your business type. Your fixed monthly fee, including quarterly VAT returns, updates instantly.
Your business
Registration
Includes your quarterly VAT returns, your accounts and your tax return.
In short
What is a VAT return?
A VAT return tells HMRC how much VAT you charged on sales and how much you paid on purchases, usually every three months. You pay the difference to HMRC, or claim a refund if you paid more than you charged. VAT returns must be filed using Making Tax Digital software, and both the return and the payment are due one month and seven days after the end of each VAT period.
- Registration threshold£90,000 taxable turnover
- Standard rate20%
- How oftenUsually every three months
- Deadline1 month and 7 days after the quarter
Who needs to register for VAT and file VAT returns?
You must register for VAT and file VAT returns if any of these apply.
- Taxable turnover over £90,000 in any rolling 12 months
- You expect to go over the threshold in the next 30 days alone
- You take over a VAT-registered business
- You sell goods into Northern Ireland from the EU above the threshold
- You register voluntarily to reclaim VAT on costs
- You're VAT registered already, whatever your turnover
You must register within 30 days of the end of the month in which you went over the threshold. Every VAT-registered business must follow Making Tax Digital for VAT.
Your next VAT return deadline
VAT returns and payments are due one month and seven days after each quarter ends. Choose your quarters to see your next deadline.
days until your next VAT return is due. The quarter ending 30 September 2026 must be filed and paid by 7 November 2026. Pay by Direct Debit and HMRC collects three working days later.
What's included in our VAT returns service
Everything needed to file accurate VAT returns and stay compliant.
- VAT registration and your VAT number
- Choosing the best VAT scheme
- Making Tax Digital software set-up
- Quarterly VAT return preparation
- Checking VAT on every sale and purchase
- Reverse charge and import VAT handled
- Filing each return before the deadline
- Your payment amount and date in writing
- VAT refund claims
- Answering HMRC VAT letters and checks
- Deregistration when you no longer need VAT
- Unlimited questions by phone, email and video
Which VAT scheme suits your business?
The right VAT scheme can save money and paperwork. We check which one suits you.
| VAT scheme | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard accounting | VAT on invoices you raise and receive in the quarter | Most businesses |
| Cash accounting | VAT only when customers pay you and you pay suppliers. Turnover up to £1.35 million | Businesses with slow-paying customers |
| Flat Rate Scheme | A fixed percentage of turnover, with turnover up to £150,000 | Small businesses with few costs |
| Annual accounting | One VAT return a year with advance payments | Businesses wanting less paperwork |
Limited cost trader? If you spend very little on goods, the Flat Rate Scheme uses a higher rate of 16.5%, which often makes it worse value than standard accounting. We check this for you.
How we file your VAT returns
Four simple steps every quarter.
Connect your records
We link your accounting software or bank feeds under Making Tax Digital.
We check your VAT
We review every sale and purchase for the right VAT treatment.
You approve your VAT return
We send you the figures to approve before anything is filed.
We file your VAT return
We file with HMRC and confirm how much to pay and when.
VAT penalties and how to avoid them
VAT uses a points-based system for late returns and percentage penalties for late payment.
| What happens | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Each late VAT return | 1 penalty point. For quarterly returns, reaching 4 points triggers a £200 penalty |
| Further late returns after reaching the threshold | Another £200 penalty each time |
| Tax paid within 15 days of the due date | No late payment penalty |
| Tax still unpaid after 15 days | 3% of the tax owed |
| Tax still unpaid after 30 days | A further 3%, then 10% a year on the balance |
Interest is also charged from the day after the due date. Source: GOV.UK VAT penalties.
VAT return prices
Fixed fees, agreed in writing before we start. Prices exclude VAT.
Sole trader with VAT
Quarterly VAT returns, monthly bookkeeping, your accounts and tax return.
See what's includedLimited company with VAT
Quarterly VAT returns, accounts, CT600, payroll and returns for up to two directors.
Check my exact priceVAT registration
Registration with HMRC and choosing the right VAT scheme from the start.
See one-off pricesVAT returns are included in our packages for VAT-registered businesses. Landlords can add VAT returns for £25 a month. Compare all packages.
Using an accountant vs doing your own VAT returns
VAT mistakes are costly, because HMRC can charge penalties for errors as well as for late returns.
| Doing it yourself | With Fixed Fee Accountant | |
|---|---|---|
| VAT scheme | Easy to stay on the wrong scheme | Best scheme checked every year |
| VAT treatment | Reverse charge and imports are easy to get wrong | Every transaction checked |
| Deadlines | You track every quarter yourself | We remind you and file on time |
| HMRC checks | You deal with HMRC alone | We deal with HMRC for you |
| Cost | Your time, plus software | From £65 a month + VAT, fixed |
VAT return help for every type of business
Choose your situation to see how we help.
Sole traders
VAT returns alongside your bookkeeping, accounts and tax return.
Accountant for sole traders →Limited companies
Quarterly VAT returns as part of your company package.
Accountant for limited companies →Contractors
Flat Rate Scheme checks and the limited cost trader test.
Contractor accountants →Online sellers
Marketplace, import and overseas VAT handled properly.
Accountant for ecommerce →Construction firms
The domestic reverse charge applied on every invoice.
Accountant for construction firms →Landlords
VAT on commercial property and opting to tax.
Accountant for landlords →Close to the VAT threshold?
We monitor your rolling 12-month turnover and register you at the right time, so you never miss the deadline or pay penalties.
Fixed fee VAT return accountant
As a fixed fee VAT return accountant, we agree your price before we start. Every quarterly return, HMRC letter and question is included, so your fee never changes from one quarter to the next.
- Price agreed in writing first
- No hourly rates
- No charge for questions
Online VAT return accountant
As an online VAT return accountant, we connect to your Making Tax Digital software and work with businesses across the UK by phone, email and video, including evenings and Saturdays.
- Secure online document upload
- Evenings and Saturdays
- Support anywhere in the UK
VAT return FAQs
When are VAT returns due?
VAT returns and payments are due one month and seven days after the end of each VAT period. For a quarter ending 30 September, the deadline is 7 November.
What is the VAT registration threshold?
You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or you expect it to in the next 30 days alone.
How much does an accountant charge for VAT returns?
VAT returns are included in our packages for VAT-registered businesses, from £65 a month plus VAT for sole traders and £110 for limited companies. VAT registration is £99 plus VAT, one-off.
Do I have to use Making Tax Digital for VAT?
Yes. All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and file VAT returns using Making Tax Digital compatible software. We set this up and file through it for you.
What happens if I file my VAT return late?
You receive a penalty point for each late return. For quarterly returns, reaching four points triggers a £200 penalty, and another £200 for each further late return. Late payment penalties and interest apply separately.
Should I use the Flat Rate Scheme?
It can save money if your costs are low and you aren't a limited cost trader. Limited cost traders pay a higher rate of 16.5%, which often makes the scheme poor value. We compare the options for you.
Can I register for VAT voluntarily?
Yes. Voluntary registration lets you reclaim VAT on costs, which can help if most of your customers are VAT registered. We check whether it would benefit you.
Can I reclaim VAT on purchases before I registered?
Usually, yes. You can reclaim VAT on goods bought up to four years before registration and still held, and on services up to six months before, if they relate to your VAT-registered business.
What is the VAT domestic reverse charge?
For most building work between VAT-registered businesses in the Construction Industry Scheme, the customer accounts for the VAT instead of the supplier. We apply it correctly on your invoices and returns.
Can you deal with an HMRC VAT inspection?
Yes. We prepare your records, answer HMRC's questions and attend any VAT compliance check on your behalf.
Get your VAT returns filed on time
Tell us about your business and we'll confirm your fixed fee, usually the same working day.