HMRC have announced that businesses who deferred VAT payments between between 20 March and 30 June 2020 and still have payments to make can opt in to the new VAT deferral payment scheme when it launches later this year.
The new scheme will be available in early 2021. You must opt in yourself, your agent (i.e. your team at Moore,) cannot do this for you.
How it works
Instead of paying the full amount of VAT owed 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.
To use the 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
You can of course pay the deferred VAT in full on or before 31 March 2021 if you’re able to do so.
Click here to make a payment.
What you will need
To opt in to the scheme you will need your own Government Gateway account if you don’t already have one.
Click here to log in or register. You will also need to have submitted any outstanding VAT returns from the last four years.
You will need to know how much you owe, including the amount you originally deferred and how much you have already paid back (if applicable.)
You can still have a time to pay arrangement for other HMRC debts and outstanding tax even if you opt into the deferred VAT scheme.
What to do if you are still unable to pay
If you are still not able to pay your deferred VAT, you can find further advice
here.
Further information for businesses from HMRC
HMRC are running a series of
webinars for businesses and have produced a number of videos on their
YouTube channel so you can familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU.
Their
trader checklist is also still available to help you ensure you’re familiar with the new rules that affect you.
For more information or advice about this or any of the support measures available to businesses affected by the coronavirus, please contact your usual Moore adviser.