Yes, you can file your own VAT return, but you must use "Making Tax Digital" (MTD) compatible software to submit it directly to HMRC, as manual filing via the government portal is no longer permitted for most businesses. The process involves calculating VAT charged on sales and paid on expenses, then submitting this electronically, usually quarterly, by one month and 7 days after the period ends.
Unless you're using the flat rate scheme, you can calculate your VAT return by following the steps below:
Can You Submit a VAT Return Without an Accountant? Yes, you can submit a VAT return without the help of an accountant. The process has been made more accessible with Making Tax Digital (MTD), which requires VAT-registered businesses to use MTD-compatible software like Xero or QuickBooks to file online.
Average Cost Range:
VAT return accounting fees typically range from £100 to £500 per return, depending on the specific requirements of the business. While some accountants may offer fixed fees for VAT return services, others may charge hourly rates or variable fees based on transaction volume.
Free Making Tax Digital for VAT
My Tax Digital combines the benefits of both digital record keeping and MTD VAT filing into a single free web application allowing you to be MTD compliant. Simply register, sign in and start submitting VAT returns. For more information, see our Getting Started guide.
HMRC will record a 'default' on your account if you're late with your VAT Return or payment. Getting a default may put you in a 'surcharge period' of 12 months. If you get another default during the 12-month period, you may have to pay an extra amount (a 'surcharge') on top of the VAT you owe.
Here, we explore the most common VAT mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them.
The benefits of a Self Assessment accountant
For example, an accountant can: give you advice on financial challenges you may face in your business. help you navigate through the 'salary versus dividend' minefield. bring peace of mind knowing you are doing things correctly.
And there is typically a minimum amount you have to spend in a store to qualify — as of November 2023, the minimum in the EU is 175 Euros. So it's usually high-ticket items, like jewelry or fine clothing, that qualify for a VAT refund, not a paperback novel or suntan lotion.
Yes, many bookkeepers do Income Tax and VAT returns. However, it's important to note that not all bookkeepers offer the same services. Some specialise in bookkeeping tasks, such as recording transactions and producing financial reports. While others might be tax experts in their own right.
The average cost of tax preparation by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the U.S. typically ranges from $200–$500 for individual returns and $1,000–$5,000 for small business or corporate returns. Costs depend on the complexity of your taxes, the number of forms required, and your location.
VAT rules in the UK require a business to become VAT registered if its taxable turnover hits the £90,000 threshold in any rolling 12-month period, but you don't have to wait until then. Some businesses prefer to register for VAT even though they don't need to. Is this the right decision for you?
There are a number of ways in which you can submit your VAT return, including: submitting your own VAT return online, using VAT return software or using accountants or tax agents. As you can see, it does not matter who submits the return, as long as it is done on time and provides all necessary information.
If your business is relatively simple, you may well find that you're able to complete your VAT return each quarter without any help. The rules and regulations which govern the treatment of VAT can be very complex. They are detailed in a lengthy document called the VAT guide (via GOV.UK).
Visit the iTax online portal using https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/ Login to iTax portal with PIN and password. Click on 'e-Returns' or select 'Returns' from the navigation menu and click on 'File Returns' Select the Type, enter your taxpayer's PIN and select the Tax obligation as 'VAT' and Click 'Next'
The biggest tax mistakes people make include filing late, math errors, incorrect personal info (like Social Security numbers), forgetting deductions/credits (like EITC), misreporting income, not signing forms, and making errors with bank details for direct deposit, all leading to delays, penalties, or missed savings, with using tax software or professionals helping avoid these common pitfalls.
Quick Answer
A tax professional, such as a certified public accountant (CPA), may be able to help you prepare and file your tax return. However, you don't necessarily need an accountant, and some CPAs don't specialize in personal tax returns.
What triggers a VAT investigation? Although a VAT inspection can happen at any time, a VAT inspection is often risk-based. Such risks include: : Compliance history – does your business have a history of late payments or non-payment of VAT?
You cannot reclaim VAT for:
At a glance
The minimum income amount to file taxes depends on your filing status and age. For 2025, the minimum income for Single filing status for filers under age 65 is $15,750 . If your income is below that threshold, you generally do not need to file a federal tax return.
Once in the system, you will receive a £200 penalty each time you submit a late VAT return. This will happen until you have reset the clock (above) and all VAT returns for the last 24 months have been received by HMRC. Points will not be issued for: First period VAT returns for newly registered businesses.
While it's important to have proper documentation for your VAT claims, there are instances where invoices or receipts might not be available. In such cases, HMRC may accept a claim for VAT if you can demonstrate the following: The purchase took place, supported by alternative documentary evidence.