How often do I need to file a VAT return?
You need to fill in and submit a return for each VAT period, which is usually every three months. Sometimes a VAT period can be yearly or monthly. If you use the annual accounting scheme, you only need to file one VAT return each year – but you will need to make interim VAT payments on account. You can ask HMRC for a monthly tax period if you expect to regularly reclaim VAT because the VAT you pay on your purchases is usually more than the VAT you charge on your sales. You will have to make 12 VAT returns per year. You can’t use monthly VAT periods if your turnover is below the VAT threshold and you registered voluntarily for VAT. You must file a VAT return even if you don’t buy or sell anything VATable during your VAT period.
You need to fill in and submit a return for each VAT period, which is usually every three months. Sometimes a VAT period can be yearly or monthly. If you use the annual accounting scheme, you only need to file one VAT return each year – but you will need to make interim VAT payments on account. You can ask HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for a monthly tax period if you expect to regularly reclaim VAT because the VAT you pay on your purchases is usually more than the VAT you charge on your sales. You will have to make 12 VAT returns per year. You can’t use monthly VAT periods if your turnover is below the VAT threshold and you registered voluntarily for VAT. You must file a VAT return even if you don’t buy or sell anything VATable during your VAT period. See our guide to find out when you must register for VAT and when you can choose to register. You can read information about the VAT annual accounting scheme on the HMRC website – Opens in a new window. You can also find information about h
