Skip to Content

How to amend a VAT return

How to amend a VAT return
Wednesday, February 27, 2019

VAT is a complicated tax – perhaps one of the most complicated there is for most SMEs. So, if you make a mistake, what do you need to do to amend your VAT return?

Depending on when you spot the error and how much it’s for, there are different approaches you need to take.

If your error is for less than £10,000, what is the procedure?

You don’t need to report to HMRC when you’ve made an error for less than £10,000.

However, you should voluntarily contact them about it as soon as you can. Notify them by letter explaining when you discovered the error, why you made the error, the amount of erroneous VAT, and the reporting period you need to make the correction for.

When you submit your next VAT return:

• if you owe HRMC money, add the amount to the net value on box 1

• if HMRC owe you money, add the amount to box 4

If your error is for less than £10,000, what are the penalties?

The chances are the HMRC will impose a penalty.

If you have notified them of the error, they will generally go easier on you because you have shown awareness and demonstrated honesty. You may get no penalty at all.

However, if they discover the error, for example during a VAT inspection, the penalty applied is likely to be far harsher.

The penalties range from:

• 30% for careless mistakes

• 70% for deliberate mistakes

• 100% for mistakes that were deliberate and where HMRC think you have tried to conceal them

Depending on when the mistake occurred, you may be charged interest on the penalty too.

If your error is for more than £10,000, what is the procedure?

For errors above £10,000 you must make a formal notice to HMRC informing them of the incident using Form VAT 652.

If you can’t use this form, you should write to HMRC detailing:

• the reasons behind each error

• the VAT period(s) in which they occurred

• whether an error was input or output VAT

• how much VAT was over- or under-declared on each error

• the method your use to calculate the VAT over- or under-declaration

• did any of the errors mean you paid HMRC an amount that it wasn’t entitled to?

• what is the total final adjustment needed?

HMRC will be looking for specific and sufficient details on each error – they will use the information you provide them with in their decision about whether they should charge you interest on your penalties.

You should then send your letter to:

HM Revenue and Customs

VAT Error Correction Team - SO864

Newcastle

NE98 1ZZ

Once HMRC have received your letter, their VAT Error Correction Team will use the sums you have given them to issue a correction and tell you what you owe them.

Panthera Accounting – talk to us about VAT

Your Panthera team are ready to help you with all VAT related enquiries. Give us a call on 01235 768 561 or email enquiries@pantheraaccounting.com.

Moving to Panthera is easy

It’s a big decision to move accountants. We get it. That’s why we have a clearly defined process in place to make it as straightforward as possible.

Step 1: We have a short initial discovery meeting to understand your needs so we can create the perfect service package for your business

Step 2: You receive your tailored proposal with one simple monthly fee and you e-sign the letter of engagement

Step 3: You provide your current accountant with notice – and you leave the rest to us!

We liaise directly with your previous accountant regarding the transfer of information. We request authority from HMRC to act on your behalf. We handle as much of the admin as possible, so you can get on with running your business – safe in the knowledge that everything is going on in the background. And if there’s any action for you, we let you know.

Contact us to find out how we can help you

Panthera will use the details that you have entered into this form to communicate with you on the subject of your message, and for no other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more details on how we manage your data.