VAT Return Services

What VAT returns involve

A VAT return reports the VAT you have charged customers (output tax) and the VAT you have paid on business purchases (input tax). The difference is either paid to HMRC or reclaimed from them. While that sounds simple, the detail is where businesses go wrong: partial exemption, mixed-rate supplies, imports, the correct treatment of expenses, and timing all affect the figures. Getting them right requires accurate underlying records and a good understanding of the rules.

Clean bookkeeping is the foundation of a correct VAT return. When your records are reconciled and categorised properly throughout the quarter, preparing the return becomes a checking exercise rather than a reconstruction.

Errors on VAT returns are common and can be costly. Reclaiming VAT on entertainment or non-business costs, missing the VAT on imports, applying the wrong rate to a supply, or failing to account for the reverse charge can all lead to underpaid or overpaid VAT. Because we review each return carefully and understand how the rules apply to your sector, we catch these issues before they become a problem with HMRC — protecting both your cash flow and your compliance record.

What our VAT service includes

• VAT registration advice — assessing whether you must register (threshold currently £90,000) or whether voluntary registration benefits you.
• Scheme selection — comparing the standard, flat-rate, cash and annual accounting schemes to find the most efficient fit.
• Return preparation — calculating output and input VAT from your records, checking for common errors and unusual items.
• MTD filing — submitting your return directly to HMRC through approved software.
• Deadline and payment management — tracking due dates so the return and payment are never late.
• HMRC support — handling queries, corrections and adjustments if questions arise.

Making Tax Digital for VAT

Making Tax Digital for VAT now applies to all VAT-registered businesses, regardless of turnover. That means you must keep digital records and file returns using MTD-compatible software — the old manual entry on HMRC's website is no longer available. We use approved software to maintain the digital link from your records through to the submitted return, keeping you compliant without you needing to wrestle with the technology. Always check GOV.UK for the latest MTD requirements, and see our dedicated Making Tax Digital page for more detail.

HMRC's VAT returns guidance on GOV.UK sets out the official rules; we translate them into a service that simply works for your business.

Choosing the right VAT scheme

The scheme you use can affect both your admin burden and your VAT bill. Here is a quick overview:

Scheme	Best suited to
Standard (accrual)	Most businesses; accounts for VAT on invoice date
Cash accounting	Businesses wanting to pay VAT only once customers pay
Flat Rate Scheme	Smaller businesses with few reclaimable purchases
Annual Accounting	Businesses preferring one return a year with instalments

We review your turnover, cash flow and cost profile to recommend the scheme that genuinely benefits you, and handle any changes with HMRC.

Who our VAT service is for

We support sole traders approaching the threshold, established VAT-registered businesses, e-commerce sellers, contractors and limited companies. If you are unsure whether you need to register at all, our VAT registration guide is a good starting point, and we are happy to advise on the decision.

How our fees work

VAT fees depend on filing frequency, transaction volume and complexity. We quote a clear, fixed amount — often as part of a wider bookkeeping or accounts package — so you can budget with confidence. There are no hidden charges, and bundling VAT with bookkeeping and payroll usually delivers the best value because everything is connected.

Why choose Accuprime

Based in Reigate, Surrey and serving clients across Surrey, London and the UK, we give you a responsive, knowledgeable point of contact for all things VAT. Explore our full accounting services, find out about your local accountant in Reigate, or contact us for a VAT quote.