Standard VAT return cycle
Most businesses file VAT quarterly. The deadline for filing and paying is 1 month and 7 days after the end of the VAT period.
Example: Quarter ending 31 March → file and pay by 7 May.
Payment methods and timing
- Direct Debit: HMRC takes payment 3 working days after the deadline — set this up via your Business Tax Account
- Faster Payment / CHAPS: same day
- BACS / standing order: allow 3 working days
Penalty points system (since Jan 2023)
Each late return earns a point. Hit the threshold and you face a £200 fine per further late return:
| Filing frequency | Points threshold |
|---|---|
| Annual | 2 |
| Quarterly | 4 |
| Monthly | 5 |
Late payments trigger separate interest plus a percentage charge that grows over time.
Annual Accounting Scheme
One return per year, with 9 interim payments by direct debit (months 4–12) and a balancing payment with the return by 2 months after year-end.
Use our Tax & VAT deadlines tool to map every date to your accounting period.