It’s rare we actually use HMRC’s words verbatim, but we thought it would be useful to share the update from last week on when deferred VAT needs to be paid:

If you deferred VAT between 20 March and 30 June 2020 and still have payments to make, you can:

• pay the deferred VAT in full on or before 31 March 2021
• opt in to the VAT deferral new payment scheme when it launches in 2021
• contact HMRC if you need more help to pay

1. Pay your deferred VAT

You can pay your deferred VAT in full by 31 March 2021. You do not need to contact HMRC.

2. If you want to opt in to the new payment scheme

You cannot opt in yet. The online opt in process will be available in early 2021. You must opt in yourself, your agent cannot do this for you.

Instead of paying the full amount by the end of March 2021, you can make up to 11 smaller monthly instalments, interest free. All instalments must be paid by the end of March 2022.

The scheme will allow you to:

• pay your deferred VAT in instalments without adding interest
• select the number of instalments from 2 to 11 equal monthly payments

To use this scheme you must:

• still have deferred VAT to pay
• be up to date with your 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

If you opt in to the scheme, you can still have a time to pay arrangement for other HMRC debts and outstanding tax.

Get ready to opt in to the new payment scheme

Before opting in you must:

• create your own Government Gateway account if you don’t already have one
• submit any outstanding VAT returns from the last 4 years. You will not be able to join the scheme if you have not done so
• correct errors on your VAT returns as soon as possible. Corrections received after 31 December 2020 may not show in your deferred VAT balance
• make sure you know how much you owe, including the amount you originally deferred and how much you may have already paid

You should also:

• pay what you can as soon as possible to allow us to show the correct deferred VAT balance
• consider the number of equal instalments you’ll need, from 2 to 11 months

3. Contact HMRC

If you are still unable to pay and need more time, contact HMRC to arrange a Time To Pay. 

Because the guidance is being updated, you can read the latest on HMRC’s website here.

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Any questions?

If you’d like a meeting or a Skype call to discuss this, please get in touch with your favourite Liverpool accountant

• You can ring us on 0151 380 8080
• You can email us at growth@jondaviesaccountants.co.uk