What are the VAT error correction time limits? Can you correct errors through the VAT return? Do you have to notify HMRC? What should I do if I make a mistake?
Subscribers see Correcting VAT errors for your detailed version of this guide.
This is a freeview 'At a glance' guide to correcting VAT errors.
At a glance
There are two methods for correcting VAT errors:
- Method 1: for errors of a net value that do not exceed £10,000, or errors of a net value between £10,000 and £50,000 that do not exceed the limit described below.
- Method 2: for errors of a net value between £10,000 and £50,000 that exceed the limit below or for net errors greater than £50,000, or if you so choose, for errors of any size
For HMRC guidance on correcting errors see VAT Notice 700/45.
It is important to correct errors as soon as possible after they are spotted in order to avoid a penalty for error or mistake.
Method 1 requires small errors to be adjusted within the VAT records and software adjusted. When you submit your next return, add the net value to box 1 for tax due to HMRC, or to box 4 for tax due to you.
Where a business makes an error correction using Method 2, they are not required to amend the input tax claimed or output tax charged recorded in the digital record of the supply. Instead, HMRC is notified using form VAT 652.
Under Making VAT Digital, a method 2 error means that no adjustment is required to be made to functional compatible software.
Accounting adjustments are not errors, they include:
- Retail scheme annual adjustments, or other adjustments required when a person stops using a particular retail scheme.
- Adjustments under the Capital Goods Scheme.
- An approved estimation procedure.
- Partial exemption adjustments.
- Partial exemption clawback and payback adjustments.
- Exports and intra-European Community supplies of goods.
- Issuing or receiving credit and debit notes.
- claims for bad debt relief.
- Pre-registration and post-deregistration expenses.
- Adjustments for valid prompt payment discounts.
If the original accounting adjustment was incorrect or made at the wrong time, error corrections should be made in the normal way.
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Method 1: for errors of a net value that do not exceed £10,000, or errors of a net value between £10,000 and £50,000 that are within the limits described below You can use this method to adjust your VAT account and include the value of that adjustment on your current VAT return providing:
To work out the net value of VAT errors on previous returns, you should work out:
If the difference between the two figures is greater than £10,000 and exceeds 1% of the box 6 (net outputs) VAT return declaration due for the current return period during which the error is discovered, you must use Method 2. You must always use Method 2 if the net errors exceed £50,000 or if the errors made on previous returns were made deliberately. If you consider that the error corrected using Method 1 was a result of careless conduct you will not be able to gain the maximum reduction of the penalty unless you also notify HMRC separately in writing, either by letter or by completion of the form VAT652, of both:
This will be an unprompted or prompted disclosure depending on the circumstances. |
Method 2
Where a business makes an error correction using Method 2, they are not required to amend the input tax claimed or output tax charged recorded in the digital record of the supply.
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Method 2: for errors of a net value between £10,000 and £50,000 which exceed the limits described below, or errors which exceed £50,000 or for errors of any size You must use this method if:
You may, if you wish, use this method for errors of any size which are below the limits above instead of a Method 1 error correction. If you use this method you must not make adjustment for the same errors on a later VAT return. When notifying HMRC of an error correction you should use form VAT 652. This can be printed from HMRC's website at hmrc.gov.uk, submitted electronically online, or your can request a form by contacting the VAT Helpline on: 0300 200 3700. If you are unable to obtain a form you should, by reference to business records in your possession, write to the appropriate office and provide full details of the errors including:
If the error was an amount underdeclared include sufficient detail about the error on a separate sheet if necessary, to enable HMRC to decide whether they should charge interest. You can find further information about interest in VAT Notice 700/43: default interest. |
Useful guides on this topic
Correcting VAT errors
What are the VAT error correction time limits? Can you correct errors through the VAT return? Do you have to notify HMRC?
Penalties (VAT)
When do penalties apply for VAT? What penalties are charged and how can they be mitigated?
VAT reclaims and unjust enrichment
When can VAT reclaims be made? What are the time limits? What is unjust enrichment? Why might unjust enrichment prevent HMRC making VAT repayments?
Bad debts: VAT recovery
When can you recover VAT on a bad debt? How much VAT is payable to HMRC or recoverable from HMRC when only part of an invoice is paid?
Input VAT: What constitutes a valid claim (& VAT invoice)?
What is Input VAT? Who can claim it? What is needed for a valid claim? What needs to be included on a VAT invoice and can you make a claim without one?
External links
VAT652, Notification of errors in VAT returns form
How to correct VAT errors and make adjustments or claims (VAT Notice 700/45)