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HMRC have published guidance for small firms unsure of their obligations to filing VAT returns online.
All VAT-registered businesses, with a minority of exceptions, will have to submit their documents and pay the tax due digitally from 1 April, whatever their size and turnover.
The Revenue's support covers:
- signing up for VAT online services; and
- submitting the online return (assuming the business uses the taxman's online filing service).
Firms that plan to file their return using a commercial package will need to use the supplier’s own support if they run into difficulties, said HMRC, although the department's assistance can be sought when signing up for VAT online services.
The Revenue will write next month to all businesses that currently submit paper VAT returns. The letter will set out who is required to file online documents and pay electronically, and it will summarise the help and support available, and explain how to claim an exemption if appropriate.
Details of the firm's effective date of registration, required when signing up for VAT online services, will also be included.
A series of HMRC open days will be held throughout the UK from February until October. Attendees will be able to sign up for VAT online services and submit their first return. The taxman plan to invite all business owners who still submit paper returns; it is also possible to book in to an event.
