Many UK businesses are at risk of losing out on the coronavirus three month VAT deferment if they do not act immediately.
On 20 March, Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced a three month VAT payment deferment lasting until 30 June 2020. HMRC have indicated that you must contact your bank direct to cancel the facility or the VAT will automatically be withdrawn in the next few days.
If you’re a UK VAT registered business and have a VAT payment due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020, you have the option to:
- defer the payment until a later date
- pay the VAT due as normal
It does not cover VAT MOSS payments.
HMRC will not charge interest or penalties on any amount deferred as a result of the Chancellor’s announcement.
You will still need to submit your VAT returns to HMRC on time.
HMRC will continue to process VAT reclaims and refunds as normal during this time.
If you choose to defer paying your VAT
If you choose to defer your VAT payment as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), you must pay the VAT due on or before 31 March 2021.
You do not need to tell HMRC that you are deferring your VAT payment.
Payments made by Direct Debit
If you normally pay by Direct Debit you should contact your bank to cancel your Direct Debit as soon as you can, or you can cancel online if you’re registered for online banking.
After the VAT deferral ends
VAT payments due following the end of the deferral period will have to be paid as normal. Further information about how to repay the VAT you’ve deferred will be available soon.
If you’re in temporary financial distress because of COVID-19
If you are experiencing financial difficulties more help is available from HMRC’s Time to Pay scheme.
