On current HMRC plans, virtually all VAT businesses will be required to file their VAT returns online and pay any VAT due electronically from next April. It is expected that regulations will be introduced to make it compulsory for businesses with turnover of up to £100,000 to file online from April 2012. Most larger traders are already obliged to do so.
HMRC will write to all businesses affected by the change in February 2012 to explain what to do. But if you want to get started now – and HMRC strongly recommends that you take steps to become familiar with the online service well in advance of the April deadline – you can find some useful step by step guides on the HMRC website and also an online demonstrator which shows the screens you will expect to see within the online service:
- The beginners guide to signing up to VAT Online
- The beginners guide to filing a VAT return Online
- The Online services demonstrator
Or alternatively call us.