Submit your VAT return online to HMRC

• Tim Fouracre
• Thursday, 3 September 2009
• VAT

There are four steps involved in order to be able to submit your VAT returns online with Clear Books.

In total, the online steps take about 20 minutes, however in some cases an activation code might need to be sent to you by post, which can take a few days.

Step 1.

Registering with the Government Gateway

HMRC use a shared login system with other government departments called the Government Gateway. If you don’t already have an account you will need to sign up to get one. This will allow you to access various government services, including the range of HMRC online services such as online VAT returns.

• Click through to http://www.gateway.gov.uk/ - You will see some options to sign up as an individual or an organisation:

Choose ”individual” if you are self employed, or a sole trader business.

Choose “organisation” if your business is a partnership or limited company.

• You then have to fill out a short form giving your business name, an e-mail address and a password. NB: make note of the password as it’s not easy to change this later! Once you submit the form you will be given a user ID, which is a 12 digit number. Record this somewhere safe along with your password.

Step 2.

Enrolling for the New VAT Returns Service

You will need your VAT Registration Certificate, and your most recent VAT return to complete this step.

• Login to the Government Gateway if you are not already logged in, then click through to the “Your Services” page.
• Click on the “New VAT Returns” service.
• It will ask you to fill out your VAT number, the postcode where your VAT returns are sent (or the one listed on your VAT Registration Certificate), the Effective Date (as shown on your VAT registration certificate), the month of your last VAT return, and the last net VAT due on that return.

The service may be activated straight away, or it may require you to enter an activation code that will be sent out by post.

Step 3.

Appointing Clear Books as your VAT Agent

Clear Books is a registered VAT Agent, which allows us to submit returns on behalf of other companies. In order to give us permission to submit returns for you, you need to appoint us as an agent. This can be done online via the Government Gateway.

• Login to the Government Gateway.
• Click “Manage Services”.
• Click “Appoint Agent” (to the right of the New VAT Returns service).
• Enter our Agent ID: clearbooks-MKSMH2GFG21S
• You must then agree to some terms and conditions, and re-enter your login details to complete the process.

We have also created a video demonstrating these steps:

Step 4.

Generate and submit your return via Clear books

Step 5.

Set up a Direct Debit and E-mail Notifications with HMRC

If you file your VAT returns online, the easiest way to pay is by direct debit. This way you won’t need to put a cheque in the post, or do a manual bank transfer. You can do this on HMRC’s website. You can also set up e-mail notifications so that you get sent reminders when your VAT return is due.

• Navigate to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
• Click “VAT Online”.
• Log in with your Government Gateway ID.
• Specify your e-mail address on the main page. You will be e-mailed an activation code to enter to confirm the address is valid.
• Click through to the “VAT Online Service”.
• You can then set up a Direct Debit, and also the e-mail address used for VAT notifications.