HMRC has issued some guidance to taxpayers that deferred their VAT payments between 20 March and 30 June 2020 and still have payments to make.
HMRC is advising taxpayers who deferred their VAT payments to:
- pay the deferred VAT in full on or before 31 March 2021
- or opt in to the VAT deferral new payment scheme when it launches in 2021
- or to contact HMRC if they need more help to pay.
Taxpayers can pay their deferred VAT in full by 31 March 2021. There is no need to contact HMRC. However, if taxpayers want to use the new payment scheme they will need to opt in. The new online opt in process will be available in early 2021. Taxpayers will need to opt in themselves as this cannot be carried out by tax agents.
Where taxpayers opt in to the VAT deferral new payment scheme instead of paying the full amount by the end of March 2021, they can make up to 11 smaller monthly instalments which are interest free. All instalments of the outstanding amount must be paid by the end of March 2022.
In order for taxpayers to use the scheme they must:
- still have deferred VAT to pay
- be up to date with their VAT returns
- opt in before the end of March 2021
- pay the first instalment before the end of March 2021
- be able to pay the deferred VAT by Direct Debit.
Taxpayers must prepare to opt in by:
- creating their own Government Gateway account if they do not already have one
- submitting any outstanding VAT returns from the last four years. You will not be able to join the scheme if you have not done so
- correcting errors on their VAT returns as soon as possible. Corrections received after 31 December 2020 may not show in their deferred VAT balance
- ensuring they know how much they owe, including the amount they originally deferred and how much they may have already paid.
Internet link: GOV.UK guidance
More from our tax experts
You can find all of our latest tax articles and tax resources here.
If you are looking for advice in a particular area, please get in touch with your usual Hawsons contact.
Alternatively, we offer all new clients a free initial meeting to have a discussion about their own personal circumstances – find out more or book your free initial meeting here. We have offices in Sheffield, Doncaster and Northampton.
Tax Rates and Allowances 2021/22
Introduction We have summarised the key rates and allowances which are fundamental to our business and personal lives. We are sure that you will find them a useful point of reference and have set out below a few examples of how they can be used. Personal tax rates As...
Budget 2021: 5% VAT rate for hospitality extended
The Chancellor has confirmed that the following supplies will continue to be charged at 5% instead of 20% until 30 September 2021. To help businesses manage the transition back to the standard rate, a 12.5% rate will then apply for a further six months, until 31 March...
Budget 2021
Budget 2021 The Chancellor Rishi Sunak presented his second Budget on Wednesday 3 March 2021. In his speech, he stated his Budget 'meets the moment with a three-part plan to protect the jobs and livelihoods of the British people'. Main Budget proposals Tax measures...
Domestic VAT reverse charge introduced from 1 March 2021
A domestic reverse charge will be introduced from 1 March 2021 to tackle VAT fraud in the construction industry. Tony Nickson, VAT Consultant at Hawsons, explains what this will mean for businesses. What is a reverse charge? In a nutshell the reverse charge is where...