VAT returns & Making Tax Digital — handled for you.

You must register when your VAT-taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period (the 2026/27 threshold). You have 30 days from the end of the month you crossed in to register. You can also register voluntarily before reaching the threshold — sometimes worthwhile if you sell to other VAT-registered businesses or have high recoverable input VAT. We'll model both scenarios before you decide.

It depends on your business. Standard works for most. Cash Accounting is helpful if you have slow-paying customers, since you only pay VAT to HMRC after the customer pays you. Flat Rate Scheme was simpler but the 2017 'limited cost trader' changes made it expensive for most service businesses — you'd typically pay 16.5% which is usually more than Standard. We run the numbers for both before recommending.

All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and file returns through MTD-compatible software (Xero, FreeAgent, QuickBooks, or specific bridging software for spreadsheet users). HMRC's online VAT portal closed for filing in November 2022. We make sure your bookkeeping software is MTD-compliant and file your VAT returns directly from it on a quarterly cycle.

Late filing incurs a £200 penalty (or £400 for repeated breaches). Late payment triggers interest at HMRC's prevailing rate (currently around 7%) plus a percentage surcharge. We file every VAT return at least 7 days before the deadline as standard, and we'll set up direct debit so HMRC takes payment automatically on the due date — eliminating late-payment risk.

Yes — VAT enquiry support is included in Growth and Scale tier monthly fees. We respond to HMRC's information requests on your behalf, attend any meetings, and present the technical case. For complex enquiries (cross-border VAT, partial exemption disputes, deliberate inaccuracy allegations), we cross-refer to The Tax Lead for specialist support but we remain your point of contact throughout.