Free tool
Work out your VAT deadline dates
Based on GOV.UK guidance on VAT deadlines and payment times.
How VAT deadlines work
- Return and payment: both due 1 calendar month and 7 days after the end of the VAT period. A quarter ending 31 March is due by 7 May.
- Your periods: set by HMRC. Your MTD software shows your open periods and due dates once connected.
- Different schemes: the Annual Accounting Scheme and payments on account have their own dates.
For a full guide to deadlines and penalties, see UK VAT return deadlines.
When your payment must be made
| Payment method | How long it takes |
|---|---|
| Online by debit or corporate credit card, or approving a payment through your bank | Accepted on the date you make it, even at weekends and on bank holidays |
| Faster Payments (online or telephone banking) | Usually the same or next day, including weekends |
| CHAPS | Usually the same working day, within your bank's cut-off |
| Bacs | Usually 3 working days |
| Direct Debit | Collected 3 working days after the deadline. Set it up at least 3 working days before you submit |
A plan for deadline week
- Close your records in the first week after the period ends, while invoices and receipts are fresh.
- Check your figures a week before the deadline: Box 3 matches Boxes 1 and 2, Box 5 is right, Boxes 6 to 9 are in whole pounds.
- Submit a few days early. If anything is rejected, you have time to fix it.
- Keep HMRC's receipt reference as your proof of filing.
- Pay by the right date for your payment method, or let your Direct Debit collect it.
If something goes wrong on deadline day
- Your return is rejected: read the error, fix the figure and resubmit. Good software explains HMRC errors in plain English.
- HMRC's online services have a problem: check HMRC's service availability page, keep screenshots and the times you tried, and submit as soon as you can. A failure of HMRC's online services can be a reasonable excuse for a late return.
- You cannot pay in full: contact HMRC before the deadline about a payment plan.
A late return earns a penalty point. Once you reach the threshold, 4 points for quarterly filers, you get a £200 penalty. Late payment penalties and interest are separate. See VAT penalty points explained.
Due dates from HMRC and reminders before each one, from £5 a month
Swift VAT Pro shows your VAT periods and due dates, and emails you 4 days and 3 days before each deadline.
- Connect to HMRC on HMRC's own page with your Government Gateway sign-in. We never see that password.
- See your VAT periods, due dates, amounts owed and payments, read from HMRC.
- Upload your nine box totals as a CSV. Box 3 and Box 5 are worked out and every box is checked.
- Submit and keep HMRC's receipt. Reminder emails arrive before each due date.
No card needed · From £5 a month · Plans for up to 100 businesses · Filing through HMRC's MTD service since 2019
Final thoughts
Deadline problems are almost always avoidable: know your exact dates, submit a few days early, keep HMRC's receipt and pay by a method that arrives in time.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information, not advice for your business. If you are unsure how the rules apply to you, speak to an accountant or contact HMRC.
Frequently asked questions
Checked against GOV.UK VAT return deadlines, Pay your VAT bill, GOV.UK reasonable excuses and HMRC service availability guidance. November 2026.
When is my VAT return due?
How long does a VAT payment take to reach HMRC?
When does HMRC take a VAT Direct Debit?
What if HMRC's systems are down on deadline day?
What is the penalty for a late VAT return?
Due dates from HMRC and reminders before each one, from £5 a month.
Swift VAT Pro files your return to HMRC from the spreadsheet you already keep. From £5 a month.
No card needed · 2,900+ VAT returns filed since 2019