Paper filing to be scrapped, HMRC tells 1.9m businesses
HMRC says businesses with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more excluding VAT must file and pay VAT returns electronically from 1 April 2010
HMRC has contacted 1.9m businesses, informing them they will have file and
pay VAT returns electronically from April 2010 as part of efforts to scrap paper
filing.
Those with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more excluding VAT are affected
by the rule change, but start-ups will also have to comply with the rule.
“Any businesses registering for VAT on or after 1 April 2010 will also have
to file their return online and pay electronically, whatever their turnover,”
HMRC said today.
HMRC’s Stephen Banyard said:
“Filing your VAT return online has a number of benefits: it’s secure,
convenient, does arithmetical checks and calculations for you, and provides you
with an immediate online acknowledgement that your online return has been safely
received by us.
“So, if your turnover is £100,000 or more, and you’re not already filing your
VAT return online, sign-up now for VAT online services – that way, you’ll avoid
a last-minute rush, and be able to enjoy the benefits of online filing sooner
rather than later.”
HMRC will be sending formal letters in February 2010, to all existing
businesses affected by the new online filing and electronic payment
requirements, confirming that in future they must file online and pay
electronically.
Further help and advice, including an online demonstrator and a step-by-step
guide to filing online, is available on HMRC’s website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat,
or by calling its VAT helpline on 0845 010 9000 (available between 8am and 8pm,
Monday to Friday).
