To manage the COVID-19 pandemic the government has taken several financial measures and commitments. According to Chancellor Sunak, the commitments are ‘unprecedented measures for unprecedented times’.

Mr. Rishi Sunak on March 17 has announced to defer the next quarter of VAT payments for firms in a £30 billion injection into the economy which is equivalent to 1.5% of the GDP.

The deferment is adjourned from 20 March to 30 June 2020, where no businesses in the UK are obliged to pay any VAT and no interest will accrue in the meantime.

All foreign companies with a UK registration are eligible for the deferment. However, Mini One-Stop-Shop (MOSS) and Import VAT payers are not included in the scheme.

Note: Businesses must continue to submit VAT returns as usual.

Due Date for Your VAT Payments 

In the Downing Street press conference on March 17, Chancellor Sunak said: "To help businesses pay people and keep them in work I’m deferring the next quarter of VAT payments, that means no business will pay any VAT from now until the end of June."

The VAT is then due at the end of the 2020/21 tax year. The deferment will be benefiting 2million VAT payers in the UK for the next quarter with no interest or penalties.

For all the UK monthly payers, the due to be paid to the HMRC  ends on 31 March 2021. Whereas for the quarterly VAT payers, the date will be  provided by their VAT stagger deadlines. 

The Non-Eligible Payers of the Scheme

The Mini One-Stop-Shop (MOSS) VAT payers are not eligible for this deferment scheme. They have to continue to pay the VAT payments to the HMRC as the conventional payment method and time. Failure to the payment will include interest and penalties. 

Deferment of Import VAT/Custom Duties are not a part of this announcement. So, you have to pay import  VAT and customs duties based on existing rules. But if you fail to pay or are struggling to pay your tax bill on time then government has enhanced Time to Pay (TTP) offer for you. 

Payment Procedures and Penalties

The VAT payment count will start shortly after the end of this June and procedure for the payment will be converted to the new MTD automatic measures. Businesses will not be able to follow the manual procedures. 

Initially, the new Making Tax Digital (MTD) method is backed up by the threat of penalties. Payment procedure of the VAT recording and return preparation must be digitised by the taxpayers. Which refers, businesses will face penalties if not complied with the new digital recordkeeping and ‘digital journey’ requirements.

The deferral is optional, you can still make a VAT payment at your usual time. 

To learn more about the newly adapted procedure, contact Taj Accountants, Accountants in London or Small Business Accountants. 

VAT Payment for the Foreign Businesses:

Non-Established Taxable Persons Unit (NETPU) in HMRC s Aberdeen office has declared that the foreign businesses with a UK registration are entitled for the deferment scheme. 

The VAT Payment Is Deferred, Submission Remains as Usual:

Businesses are given until 2020-21 financial year to pay any deferred VAT based on the announcement. The payment can be done on/before 31 March 2021.

However, businesses must continue to submit VAT returns to HMRC as usual.

How Taj Accountants Can Support You:

This global pandemic has rattled the world and left the government to seek new ways to help the wounded economy. Taj Accountants understands your concern and is always there to provide you with all the upcoming  financial news. Read our blogs for more financial benefits provided by the government. For any financial advice, feel free to contact us and we will try to find the best solution based on your business. 

FAQs: 

Who can defer payment?

You can defer payment if you are:

     • an importer

     • an owner of goods in warehouse or free zone

     • an agent (including warehousekeepers) who enters goods for importers or owners

     • If you’re a foregin company and UK registered.

What are the other help available?

HMRC has enhanced Time to Pay (TTP) system to facilitate you during the COVID-19 outbreak. This system allows you to repay your dept in monthly instalments. 

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of the blog is to provide information and insight regarding the situation. The readers must contact experts before making any decisions based on the information. We highly appreciate you to contact Taj Accountants for further assistance.