Can I pay my VAT on time?

[Simpo Two]

For various reasons I've only been able to get my VAT return (due 30 November) completed this evening.

It won't go in the post until tomorrow morning (Friday 28th). First class may get it to HMRC on Saturday but I expect the place will be empty.

So the soonest they're likely to get their paws on it will be Monday 1 December. Is it worth using Special Delivery or not, or am I worrying unduly?


ETA: It's a reclaim, not payment, if that makes any difference.

Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 27th November 21:46

[Plotloss]

You'll be fine I'd say.

Mine has fallen like that on one occassion and I heard nothing.

[Wacky Racer]

They are usually not up to a day or two.......don't worry about it.........

[Stu R]

Should be fine

[japhilip]

Is this the regular VAT Return? The one covering the period 1st Sept to 30th Nov? If it is, I thought it wasn't due back until 31st Dec.

If I've got the wrong end of the stick ignore me.

[Simpo Two]

Thanks folks - hopefully they'll be in such a tizzy over the 15% rate coming in that they'll be distracted!

[Simpo Two]

japhilip said:

Is this the regular VAT Return? The one covering the period 1st Sept to 30th Nov?

Aug/Sep/Oct

[Brown and Boris]

Online submission worls well. It it is a payment they take it out almost 6 weeks later. Did mine today too.

[Simpo Two]

Aha, interesting idea BB!

Just rang my numbers bloke and he's empowered to do tax returns online using 'Government Gateway', but he thinks VAT returns might need another level of authorisation.

Is this something that I, as a mere end-user, can do online tomorrow morning, and if so what's the link please?

Oh and BTW, numbers bloke says if you do it online you can an extra 7 days to pay - can anyone confirm or deny this?

[Anatol]

I can confirm.

You need a government gateway login, which you can sort out via the HMRC website, they post you a snail-mail authorisation code and that plus password logs you in, so it takes a few days.

You can get it as the business owner, it's not just for the accountants.

We sort our VAT (and PAYE/NI) this way. Quarter ends (eg) last day in December, return sent by last day in Jan (with extra grace for online and DD), direct debit takes the payment about 12th March.

Job's a good'un.

Tol

[Simpo Two]

Excellent, thanks Tol.

Tol said:

You need a government gateway login, which you can sort out via the HMRC website, they post you a snail-mail authorisation code and that plus password logs you in, so it takes a few days.

Final question: Can my chap submit the return for me tomorrow, or is the authorisation required for tax returns different from that for VAT returns (in which case we can't get it set up in time)?

[Plotloss]

I couldnt be dealing with another date, I'm sure it works if you've accounted for it but I like the cheque going off with the return, that way its done.

[grumbledoak]

I'd just post it. For obvious reasons they have stacks of stuff to do at each month end; as long as yours gets into the pile before they finish it, you'll be fine. In any case, the alternatives take time to set up.

[john_p]

You get an extra 7 days if you pay electronically, so I'd imagine they're not fussed if it's in during that time. You'll be fine.

[arcturus]

I've been 5 days late before and not heard a thing. Was a week late once and got letter saying 'Do it again in the next 12 months and we'll fine you a £100'

[Simpo Two]

arcturus said:

I've been 5 days late before and not heard a thing. Was a week late once and got letter saying 'Do it again in the next 12 months and we'll fine you a £100'

That's what concerns me - two quarters ago I was one day late (first time ever in 17 years) and got a terse letter saying I might be fined - but wasn't.

So if the return gets there on Monday I'll be a day late and I'm not feeling lucky - second 'offence' in a year etc.

I may ask my numbers bloke to do it online this evening (IF he can use the same portal thingy, I don't know). If he can't, then I'll have to post the return this morning anyway, as backup.

What do you think they will do if they get on online return this evening and the paper one turns up on Monday?

I tried ringing the HMRC helpline but of course it's busy.

[Simpo Two]

Well I'm out soon for the rest of the day so HMRC can have two copies and jolly well like it