VAT Return, electronic or not

Marky65 · May 19, 2010

Hi
I am having a bit of a bad day and was hoping someone will be able to clarify something for me.

A client has finally brought round their paperwork for me to complete their VAT return for the quarter to April 30, 2010 which must be filed by May 31, 2010.

At the moment they are not registered to file it electronically.

They have received a letter from HMRC stating that they must file vat returns and pay electronically from April 1, 2010. It also states that for VAT periods starting on or after April 1, 2010 you must file vat returns online and pay vat due elctronically.

So I am right in thinking that they can file the return for the quarter to April 30 on paper and then the next quarter must be filed electronically.

Thanks for your help

Mark

David Griffiths · May 19, 2010

That's correct.

All of this fuss about electronic filing coming in on April 1 is the usual hype. The earliest date that it is compulsory to file a quarterly return electronically is July 2010

Marky65 · May 19, 2010

Thank you David for clarifying that for me.

Regards

Mark

Philip Hoyle · May 19, 2010

As an aside, I've been registering clients for electronic VAT filing this month and have been very pleasantly surprised at how the HMRC system is working.

I was dreading doing it after trying to do a few electronic VAT registrations a few months ago and had the usual problems with delayed and missing activation codes, having to contact the helpdesks etc.

This month, I've done quite a few and without exception the online system has worked, activation codes have come through in just a few days, etc etc.

I'm actually close to suggesting electronic filing for all clients, whether they meet the criteria or not.

I'm not known for being supportive or congratulative of HMRC, but with electronic VAT it seems they've learned from initial teething troubles and have given us a decent system to work with. Well done HMRC (how many of you never thought you'd hear me say that!!).

Zeno · May 19, 2010

How long until mandatory monthly returns though?

elaine@cheapaccounting · May 19, 2010

Vat electronic filing only for cos with t/o over £100k or new vat registrations

Zeno · May 19, 2010

elainec100 said:
Vat electronic filing only for cos with t/o over £100k or new vat registrations

For the time being.

elaine@cheapaccounting · May 19, 2010

Zeno said:
For the time being.

I can only follow rules in place

When they change, I change

Jenni384 · May 19, 2010

Zeno said:
For the time being.

Cynic

We're getting most of ours online, had a bit of trouble at first with authorisations though.

Seems that entering the code on the HMRC portal isn't enough.
You then have to go into the Gateway.gov.uk site and allocate the client to someone (we have multiple users on our agent ID).
Now I've sussed that one (thank you helpdesk) it all seems ok.

Zeno · May 19, 2010

Within the next three years, all VAT returns will be being filed online and monthly. Visit this thread then and I bet I will be proved right.

elaine@cheapaccounting · May 19, 2010

Zeno said:
Within the next three years, all VAT returns will be being filed online and monthly. Visit this thread then and I bet I will be proved right.

within three years we could all be dead

or broke :redface: or retired

or the world could have ended

and taxes could all have been abolished

David Griffiths · May 19, 2010

Zeno said:
Within the next three years, all VAT returns will be being filed online and monthly. Visit this thread then and I bet I will be proved right.

The number of people who are likely to dig back three years to find a thread just to prove that you are right is precisely one.

Now if it was to prove that you were wrong, then the queue might be a bit longer!

3pic · May 21, 2010

Zeno said:
Within the next three years, all VAT returns will be being filed online and monthly. Visit this thread then and I bet I will be proved right.

Well from April 2011, all other VAT registered traders have to submit their VAT returns online. It was the £100k'ers this year, everyone else next year, so might as well get as many online now as it's easier for the everyone involved and the taxpayer gets extra days to pay into the bargain.

Zeno · May 21, 2010

3pic said:
Well from April 2011, all other VAT registered traders have to submit their VAT returns online. It was the £100k'ers this year, everyone else next year, so might as well get as many online now as it's easier for the everyone involved and the taxpayer gets extra days to pay into the bargain.

I'm not disagreeing with on-line filing although I do find it's implementation slightly unfair (but when is tax ever fair?).

Mark my words, monthly filing will become compulsory with possibly an exception for those who are usually due to receive a repayment.

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VAT Return, electronic or not

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