VAT Returns
Doing Your First VAT Return
Contact me if you need help to do your VAT; especially if it’s your first VAT Return.
In your first VAT Return you have the opportunity to claim back VAT paid on your previous six months of services, and very importantly four years of capital expenditure such as vehicles, machinery, tools, plant equipment, office equipment, etc. As long as it’s still in use for your business, you can claim back the VAT that you originally paid.
Phone: 01324 882887
Email: info@enaccounting.com
VAT Threshold, Software and Procedures
All VAT Returns must now be made by uploading data directly to HMRC. This can only be done by software that is able to communicate directly with HMRC’s servers. This is part of HMRC’s ‘Making Tax Digital’ initiative.
Almost all accounting software packages, such as Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent etc. are able to do this, but it can also be done by some very simple ‘Bridging Software’ that still allows you to put in your own figures and make a VAT Return.
You should register for VAT as soon as your business goes above the £85k threshold. HMRC will ALWAYS backdate to the point where you should have registered. So, the longer you delay, the more you will owe.
Above is a VAT return layout provided by ‘Free Agent’, an accounting software package that takes all of your sales, purchases and expenses and automatically calculates your VAT. It then connects to HMRC’s servers and does the electronic return for you.
If you’re near to passing the £85,000 VAT threshold and you need help with your VAT or if you just need advice about the software, please get in touch. I’m happy to give anyone basic advice for free.
Follow this link to visit the HMRC page about when you need to register: https://www.gov.uk/register-for-vat