Tax-geek’s guide :
How to register and file your VAT return online
Why bother?
If your turnover is more than £100,000, you will have to file your VAT return online for accounting periods that start on or after 1 April 2010, or.
If you register for VAT on or after April 1 2010, you will have to file online regardless of your turnover.
Which website?
You can use the Government Gateway website, but don’t bother for now it takes you in big circles.
Go to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/.
Once there, be careful and just go to:
- The green column on the left called “Do it online” and click the last option “VAT online”
- Select the link ‘Registration process for new users'.
You are given an ID and you chose your own password.
No activation key is needed, although you will have to activate an email later on.
How to file online
Log into HMRC.gov.uk (see above) using the link from the left-hand column: you can use the ID number given and your password which you selected when you registered.
You are given the options:
- Set up a direct debit for VAT payments
- Make a VAT return
- Change registration details
Click on the one you need.
Top tip: The screen says: “To activate Online Services, please visit the Government Gateway “. Ignore this advice, as it just takes you in a loop back to www.hmrc.gov.uk.
Related content: Guide for tax agents (how to register yourself and link to your client)
“Tax-geek” is an occasional series which features known “cheats” to make a tax agent’s life easier. Register to receive Nichola's FREE SME tax news updates or subscribe to the Practical Tax Database.
