The deadline to pay deferred VAT is the end of June. Due to the impact of coronavirus, VAT payments between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 could be deferred. This was originally due on 31 March 2021 but a further deferral was put in place to give businesses longer to repay the VAT or arrange to pay in installments.
If you deferred VAT payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 you can:
- pay the deferred VAT in full now
- join the VAT deferral new payment scheme – the online service is open between 23 February 2021 and 21 June 2021
- Contact HMRC by 30 June 2021 if you need extra help to pay
Paying the deferred VAT in full
If possible, you can pay the deferred VAT in full. You can do this on HMRC’s website. For more guidance you can go to their webpage here.
Where a business has deferred VAT, there will be no penalties or interest charged. Payments must be made before the 30 June 2021 deadline.
Join the VAT deferral new payment scheme
You can join the VAT referral scheme between 23 February 2021 and 21 June 2021. The scheme allows you to pay in interest free equal installments. Depending on when you join the scheme, the number of instalments you pay can vary. The later you join the lower the number of instalments you can spread the cost across.
You can still join this scheme through the online portal. HMRC have more information about this here.
Agreeing time to pay
If a business is unable to utilise the above options, they can still avoid the 5% penalty. They will need to contact HMRC by 30 June 2021 and agree a time to pay arrangement. The payments will not be interest free like the above options but it does help businesses who do not have the resources to use the other schemes.
Help and Support for Businesses
HMRC have various pages online to help support you and your business. If you would like further help or information you can head to their website or call their helpline number 0800 024 1222.
If you would like to speak in more detail about this subject please fill in the enquiry box below. A member of our dedicated staff will contact you to help with any queries you may have.