VAT Quarterly Returns: What Directors Need to Know
Deadlines, what to include, how to pay, and the Making Tax Digital requirements for VAT-registered directors.
VAT return periods
Most businesses file VAT returns quarterly. Your quarter-end dates depend on when you registered — HMRC assigns stagger 1, 2, or 3 quarters (ending January/April/July/October, February/May/August/November, or March/June/September/December). You can request a specific stagger when registering.
Filing and payment deadlines
The VAT return and payment are both due one calendar month and 7 days after the end of the VAT period. So a quarter ending 31 March has a deadline of 7 May. Filing late incurs a 2% surcharge on any outstanding VAT due. Persistent late filing leads to a surcharge liability notice and escalating penalties.
Making Tax Digital for VAT
All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and submit VAT returns through MTD-compatible software. Paper records and manual spreadsheet submissions are no longer accepted. Compatible software includes Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage, and others. Your records must be kept in digital form from the point of creation.
What goes on the VAT return
The return has 9 boxes covering: total VAT charged on sales (Box 1), VAT reclaimed on purchases (Box 4), net value of sales and purchases, and various adjustments. For Flat Rate Scheme users, the calculation is simpler — Box 1 is simply your flat rate percentage × VAT-inclusive turnover.
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay VAT in instalments?
What happens if I can't pay my VAT bill?
Do I need to keep digital records even for paper invoices?
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax rules change — always verify rates and thresholds with HMRC or a qualified accountant before making decisions. HMRC website