Upcoming VAT Return Deadlines in the UK 2025 : Month-by-Month Breakdown

If you’re self-employed, a sole trader, or an individual registered for VAT in the UK, it’s really important to know exactly when your VAT returns are due. Think of a VAT return like a report card for your business money, it tells HMRC how much VAT you collected from customers and how much VAT you paid on your purchases. VAT returns are typically submitted every three months, and missing a VAT deadline can lead to penalties and interest charges from HMRC. Since the UK Government introduced Making Tax Digital (MTD), all VAT returns must be submitted online using authorised software, which helps keep your records neat and filing on time much easier.

Key Takeaway: VAT returns are usually filed quarterly, and deadlines fall on the 7th day of the second month after each quarter ends. Staying organised helps you avoid fines!

When Are VAT Returns Due?

Usually, you send these reports every three months. It’s super important to send them on time, or the HMRC might charge you a fine. Since the UK started Making Tax Digital (MTD), all VAT returns must be sent online using special software. This makes things easier and helps you keep your records neat.

• 7 May 2025: Q1 VAT Return for January to March 2025
• 7 August 2025: Q2 VAT Return for April to June 2025
• 7 November 2025: Q3 VAT Return for July to September 2025
• 7 February 2026: Q4 VAT Return for October to December 2025

All VAT returns should be submitted and paid on the 7th of the second month at the end of each quarter. For instance, the Q1 return from January to March must be done by 7 May 2025. This timely filing avoids penalty and interest fees.

What is a VAT Return?

A VAT return is a document you post to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) demonstrating how much customers have paid your business and how much VAT you’ve been charged on purchases in a set time. It aids HMRC in calculating whether or not you need to pay them money, or if they should pay you a refund.

For instance, suppose your enterprise sold items totalling £10,000 plus VAT and remitted £2,000 VAT for your purchases, your VAT return will indicate a difference between both figures.

Who Needs to Submit a VAT Return?

If your company is VAT-registered, you must make regular VAT returns, even if you didn’t have any sales or were due VAT for payment during the period. Companies that don’t fall within the VAT registration limit (£85,000 turnover per annum) or only sell VAT-zero-rated items don’t need to prepare VAT returns.

Note: For detailed, step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out our other guides on how to submit a VAT return.

How Frequently Do VAT Returns Have to Be Filed?

Most companies send VAT returns every quarter. The standard VAT quarters are 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, and 31 December. You must file your return by the 7th day of the second month following the quarter. So, in the first quarter (January to March), your VAT return is due by 7 May.

Certain companies opt to file VAT returns monthly if they wish to receive VAT repayments more quickly or have greater control over their cash management. Other firms file once a year under special arrangements.

What Are Staggered Periods?

HMRC stagger groups to hand out the VAT return deadlines. It does not give everyone the same deadline, which prevents system overloading. You can locate your group and precise deadlines in your HMRC online account.

How to Find Your VAT Return Period?

HMRC splits businesses into groups with different deadlines to avoid everyone rushing at once. You can find your exact deadlines by logging into your HMRC online account or using accounting software. Many software tools even remind you when your VAT return is due!

Easy Tips to Never Miss a Deadline

Get help if needed: If VAT feels tricky, a VAT expert can make it simple for you.

Use calendar reminders: Set alarms a week before your VAT deadline.

Try accounting software: Programs like Xero or QuickBooks can help you file on time.

If you ever feel that it’s overwhelming, don’t worry, you can always contact our VAT expert, and they will guide you step-by-step to make the whole process simple and stress-free.

VAT Return Deadlines – Month-by-Month Breakdown (2025)

How to Stay Compliant and Avoid Penalties for UK VAT Returns?

Remaining current on VAT return due dates is essential for small business owners, freelancers, and individuals to avoid expensive fines and interest charges. Here’s a simple guide on late submission fines, payment penalties, and practical advice to keep you compliant.

Late Submission Penalties

HMRC uses a points-based penalty system for late VAT return submissions. Each late submission adds points to your account, and accumulating a certain number of points triggers a penalty. For example:

• Missing one VAT return deadline adds points.
• Repeated late submissions within 12 months can lead to fines.

Common reasons are forgetting the deadline, return errors that cause submission delays, or non-filing. Penalties begin at £ 200 for the initial late submission and escalate with repeated offences. You can check the official details of VAT late submission penalties on the HMRC website.

Late Payment Interest

If you make a late VAT payment, HMRC will charge interest on the debt. HMRC determines the interest rate and may vary it every quarter. Interest runs daily from the day after the due date until the payment in full is made.

For Example, if your VAT payment is due on 7 May but you make a late payment, interest will be added from 8 May until HMRC receives the payment. This can quickly add up, boosting your total tax bill.

Tips to Avoid Missing Deadlines

To keep your VAT returns on track and prevent penalties:

• Use Making Tax Digital (MTD)-compliant software: Use tools like Xero or QuickBooks to track your VAT periods automatically and assist with filing VAT returns online, as required by HMRC
• Set calendar alerts: Mark your VAT deadlines clearly on your calendar with reminders a week before the due date.
• Outsource to VAT Specialist: If managing VAT Return Deadlines feels overwhelming, consider hiring a qualified VAT Professional who will help you file VAT Returns in a timely and accurate manner.

Following these practices minimises the chances of late payment and filing, leaving your business compliant and free of penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Keeping up with your VAT return due dates is crucial for small business owners, freelancers, and UK individuals to prevent penalties and interest rates. Failure to meet deadlines can result in fines and unwanted financial stress. You can make timely submissions and payments by knowing the monthly VAT return deadlines and arranging them in advance. Employing HMRC-approved digital accounting software and reminders ensures your VAT filing is stress-free and organised.

If VAT returns seem complex or time-consuming, getting assistance from a professional accountant is an excellent decision. Coxhinkins, a reliable accounting firm based in Oxford, specialises in professional VAT services and can assist you in fulfilling all your VAT requirements correctly and within time. Call them today for expert VAT return assistance and ensure your business stays compliant and hassle-free.

Disclaimer: Kindly note this blog provides general information and should not be considered financial advice. We recommend consulting a qualified financial advisor for personalised guidance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on this content.