Digital VAT Returns

VAT can be one of the most confusing taxes, despite being one of the most widely paid by businesses. Mistakes can be costly, and accurate VAT returns take time and expertise. That’s where we can help.

Making VAT Digital

Making Tax Digital for VAT is here, but not all businesses are making the most of the digital shift. VAT filing the old-fashioned way is time-consuming and difficult to manage, with lots of potential for errors, particularly for growing businesses.

Gravitate’s digital VAT returns service helps businesses adapt to this shift. We will help you streamline and automate for faster and more accurate calculations, easier record keeping and compliance, and full integration with your existing accounting software.

Why work with Gravitate?

VAT returns can be an unwelcome distraction from running and growing your business. Keeping track of input and output VAT, ensuring accuracy, and meeting deadlines can quickly become overwhelming.

When you work with Gravitate, you get:

  • Dedicated specialists acting as an extension of your team
  • Automated VAT calculations
  • Any refunds and reliefs you are entitled to
  • Optimise the amount of VAT you are recovering on costs
  • Confidence in compliance
  • Timely submission to HMRC allowing you time to plan payments
  • Error detection and reconciliation
  • Audit-ready record keeping
  • Ongoing reviews to ensure you are on the best VAT scheme for your business

Accurate and consistent bookkeeping is the foundation of good financial decision-making. With our expertise and technology-driven approach, we ensure your VAT returns are completed correctly and submitted on time—so you can focus on what matters most.

Our Clients Know Best

We love our clients and they love us too, here are a few testimonials from our clients about our services.

"We transitioned over to Gravitate at the start of our 2023/24 financial year... Gravitate are the perfect firm for this! Friendly, knowledgeable and professional, the team speak in my language, as Accounts are foreign to me. They're always there on the end of the phone/whatsapp/email and if one person is out of the office, another picks up the query immediately.They allow me to focus on what I do best, work on and in the business!I could not recommend these guys more in order for you to take better financial control of your business! Great work guys"
Pete Swatkins
"Working with Gravitate has been a breath of fresh air for this side of my business. They immediately got to grips with the way we do things and the transition was smooth. Their culture, values and team spirit is a perfect fit. And they are brilliant with their marketing and brand message."
James Biggin
"I would highly recommend Gravitate Accounting. Since moving to them we've felt that we have much more understanding of the financial side of our business and we've felt that Mike really cares about helping us. Gravitate really focus on the relationship between the accountant and the client and we wouldn't think of going anywhere else. Thank you!"
Stephanie Seddon
Right Choice Mortgages
"Mike and the team have been absolutely amazing in helping me transition from the old spreadsheet accounting to more efficient digital systems. They made the process straight forward and communicate in a way which the layman understands....Thanks! Nick"
Nicholas Riley
Engeniaire
"We've really enjoyed working with Gravitate after moving from a larger Sheffield competitor.We've found the service and the communication absolutely top notch, we couldn't be happier - they've helped us move our business on to the next level."
Ash Young
Evoluted
"Jessica explains everything so clearly, I always feel better after speaking with her. They are pro's at Gravitate with such attention to detail."
Nikki Armytage-Foy
Electric Woman
"I've loved working with the team at Gravitate over the past year or so. Modern accountants that use up-to-date tools that streamline things massively. On top of that, they're helpful, friendly and generally a pleasure to work with. The results show they've got the formula right- they're growing very quickly.I've already recommended them to friends, and wouldn't hesitate to do so again!"
Chris Iverson
FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics
“We actually came across Gravitate when in the process of trying to recruit for a full time FD. Using them was one of the best decisions we've made. They've helped us automate our accounts, and the help during Covid has been beyond what anyone could expect from a supplier. Highly recommended.”
Sean Reddington
Thrive Learning
"I trust Gravitate accounting with all the finance & accounting needs for my business. They take all the stress out of accounting, explain complicated accounting problems very simply, they are very responsive & very easy to communicate with. As well as suggest & integrate apps/ software to make expense claims & invoicing easier; they also always send me a helpful video explaining the details alongside our quarterly reports. I would highly recommend Gravitate to anyone"
Rex Rusling
The Rec Hub
Google Rating

VAT Compliance FAQs

What are the VAT rates in the UK?

There are three rates of VAT currently payable in the UK.

  • Standard rate: 20%
  • Reduced rate: 5%
  • Zero rate: 0%

Other items may also be exempt from VAT. This is different from the zero rate. Zero rated items incur no cost, but VAT on them can be reclaimed. For exempt items, it cannot.

Who needs to register for VAT in the UK?

Businesses must register for VAT if their taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in a 12-month period. If your turnover is less than this, you can also register voluntarily.

How often do I need to file VAT returns?

Most businesses file their VAT returns on a quarterly basis, but you can also opt for monthly or annual submissions. You will need to submit a quarterly VAT return even if you have no VAT to pay or reclaim.

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT?

Making Tax Digital is a government scheme that requires VAT-registered businesses to keep digital VAT records and submit their VAT returns using select MTD-compatible software.

Can you reclaim VAT on business expenses?

Yes, businesses can reclaim input VAT on a variety of business costs, including travel expenses, office supplies, equipment, services and machinery. VAT can’t be reclaimed on personal expenses of entertainment.

What is the VAT flat rate scheme?

The VAT flat rate scheme helps simplify VAT for small businesses. It applies fixed VAT percentage to turnover, rather than the usual range of VAT rates. While this may not always be the most cost-effective option, it can significantly reduce admin.

What records must I keep for VAT compliance?

It is really important that businesses keep accurate digital records for VAT compliance. These records include sales and purchase invoices, VAT calculations and all submitted VAT returns.