The Benefits Of Doing Your VAT Return Online – Get The Most Out Of Your Business Finances

By Alen Parker , in Exclusive on March 3, 2023 .

Keeping on top of your business finances is essential for a successful business and one of the most important parts is understanding, filing, and paying your VAT return. Doing your VAT return online has many benefits which this article will discuss, including convenience, accuracy, and cost savings. Keep reading to find out how you can get the most out of your business finances with online VAT returns!

Introduction

If you’re a business owner, then you know that one of the most important aspects of running a successful operation is keeping on top of your finances. This includes knowing how much money is coming in and going out, as well as ensuring that all of your taxes are paid on time.

One tax that all businesses have to pay is value-added tax (VAT). Depending on the country you’re operating in, VAT can be a complicated and time-consuming process. However, there are now many software programs and online services that can help make VAT returns easier to file.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of doing your VAT return online. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get the most out of your business finances by using an online VAT service.

What is a VAT Return?

A VAT Return is a form that businesses use to report their Value Added Tax (VAT) liability to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The return must be submitted online, and businesses can file it quarterly or monthly.

VAT Returns are used to declare how much VAT a business has charged on its sales, and how much VAT it has paid on its purchases. The difference between these two amounts is the business’s VAT liability. This liability must then be paid to HMRC.

Filing a VAT Return online is the most efficient way to do it, as businesses can submit their return directly to HMRC through their accounting software. This means that businesses don’t have to waste time filling in paper forms or posting them to HMRC.

Online filing also makes it easier for businesses to keep track of their VAT liabilities, as they can access their accounting records at any time. This can help businesses avoid late payment penalties from HMRC.

Benefits of Doing Your VAT Return Online

There are many benefits of doing your VAT return online. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it can save you time. Doing your VAT return online means that you can complete it at your own pace, in your own time. You don’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to go to the accountant’s office or wait in line at the tax office.

Another great benefit of doing your VAT return online is that it can save you money. Many businesses are charged a higher rate for their VAT returns if they are completed offline. This is because businesses are often required to pay for accounting software, as well as the cost of an accountant or tax advisor. By doing your VAT return online, you can avoid these additional costs.

In addition, doing your VAT return online can also help you to stay organized and keep track of your finances. When you complete your VAT return online, you will be able to access it from any computer with an internet connection. This means that you can always have up-to-date financial information at your fingertips, which can be extremely helpful when it comes to managing your business finances.

How to File a VAT Return Online

VAT stands for value-added tax, and is a consumption tax placed on a product whenever value is added at each stage of the supply chain, from production to the point of sale. The amount of VAT you pay is based on the value of the goods or services you have bought.

If you are registered for VAT, you must file a VAT return every quarter, even if you haven’t made any sales. This return is used to work out how much VAT you owe HMRC, or if they owe you a refund.

Filing your VAT return online is quick and easy, and can be done using HMRC’s online service. You will need your Government Gateway user ID and password to log in. Once logged in, select ‘File your return’ from the list of options on the left-hand side of the screen.

On the next page, select the period for which you are filing your return from the drop-down menu. You will then need to enter your total sales and purchases for that period, as well as any other relevant information such as expenses. Once you have entered all the required information, click ‘Submit’.

You will then be taken to a confirmation page where you can check all the information you have entered before submitting your return. Once you are happy with everything, click ‘Confirm and submit’. You will then receive a confirmation email from HMRC confirming that your return has been submitted successfully.

Tips for Making the Most Out of Doing Your VAT Return Online

When it comes to doing your VAT return online, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most out of your business finances. Here are some tips to help you out:

1. Know what expenses are eligible for VAT. This way, you can make sure you’re only claiming back what you’re actually entitled to. There’s no point in over-claiming and then having to pay back the excess later on.

2. Keep good records. This will help you keep track of your expenses and ensure that everything is accounted for come tax time. Good record-keeping also makes it easier to do your taxes in general, so it’s a good habit to get into regardless.

3. Use accounting software. This can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to doing your taxes, as well as keeping track of your finances in general. There are many different options available, so find one that suits your needs and budget best.

4. Get help from a professional if needed. If you’re unsure about anything or just want some peace of mind, there’s nothing wrong with getting help from a professional tax accountant or bookkeeper. They can make sure everything is done correctly and help you maximise your tax refund (or minimise your tax bill).

Conclusion

Doing your VAT return online can provide numerous benefits to businesses and entrepreneurs, from reducing paperwork to enabling you to keep track of financial data in an efficient manner. As a business owner or entrepreneur, it pays to stay on top of your finances, and doing your VAT returns online is one way to do just that. By taking the time now to set up the appropriate software and get comfortable with filing digitally, you’ll be well-positioned for greater success in the future.