amh-accountants.com

VAT

Registration, returns, and Making Tax Digital compliance.

UK VAT for sole traders and limited companies. We handle registration, recommend the right scheme, prepare quarterly returns, and keep your record-keeping fully MTD compliant.

What you get

VAT handled, from registration to return.

VAT goes wrong when the scheme doesn’t match the business or the records aren’t kept properly. We sort both, and file on time every quarter.

VAT Registration

Voluntary or compulsory registration with HMRC. We handle the application, recommend the effective date, and get you set up.

Scheme Selection

Standard, Flat Rate, Cash Accounting, or Annual Accounting. We work out which one actually saves you money based on your business.

MTD Compliance

Digital record-keeping and submissions through MTD-compatible software. We connect your bookkeeping directly to HMRC.

Quarterly Returns

VAT return prepared from your records, reviewed for errors and missed reclaims, and filed before the deadline.

Cross-Border VAT

EU and international sales, reverse charge, postponed import VAT, and One Stop Shop (OSS) for digital services to consumers.

VAT Enquiries

If HMRC raises a query or opens a compliance check, we respond on your behalf and manage the correspondence through to resolution.

VAT support for every UK business stage.

From your first VAT registration through to complex cross-border returns, we cover the full spectrum.

Businesses near the threshold

Turnover approaching £90,000 and needing to plan the registration date properly.

Voluntary registrations

B2B businesses below the threshold that benefit from reclaiming input VAT.

Flat Rate Scheme users

We check whether the scheme still saves you money each year.

E-commerce and digital sellers

UK and EU consumer sales, OSS, IOSS, and marketplace facilitator rules.

Importers and exporters

Postponed import VAT, reverse charge, and EC sales lists where they apply.

How we deliver VAT compliance.

01 — Review

Check the position

Look at turnover, supplies, and the scheme to confirm registration is right and the scheme fits.

02 — Set up

MTD-ready software

Get bookkeeping into compatible software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage) connected to HMRC.

03 — Prepare

Return drafted

Each quarter we reconcile, review for missed reclaims, and send the draft for approval.

04 — File

Submit and remind

Return filed electronically with HMRC, with a payment reminder for the due date.

Frequently asked questions about UK VAT

When do I have to register for VAT?
Once your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or when you expect to exceed it in the next 30 days alone. You have 30 days from the end of the month you went over to register.

It depends on your customers. If you sell mainly to other VAT-registered businesses, registering early lets you reclaim input VAT without raising your price. If you sell to consumers, it usually means a 20% price rise or 20% cut in margin.

MTD requires VAT-registered businesses to keep digital records and submit returns through MTD-compatible software. It applies to all VAT-registered businesses, regardless of turnover. We’ll get you set up if you’re not already.

Sometimes. It simplifies record-keeping but limits what you can reclaim. Since the limited-cost trader rules came in, many service businesses are now worse off on Flat Rate. We do the calculation properly before recommending.

HMRC operates a points-based penalty system. Each missed deadline earns a point, and once you hit the threshold (4 points for quarterly filers) you get a £200 penalty, plus £200 for each further late return.

VAT works best alongside good bookkeeping.

Clean bookkeeping makes VAT returns straightforward. Here's the rest of what we do.

Business Advisory

Strategy, forecasting, growth.

Tax Returns

Self assessment and corporation tax.

Payroll

Weekly, monthly, RTI compliant.

Bookkeeping

Cloud bookkeeping, always reconciled.

Want VAT handled properly?

Book a free 30-minute call. We’ll review your position and quote a fixed fee within one working day.