VAT100: VAT Return
Quarterly reporting for VAT-registered businesses.
Making Tax Digital (MTD)
Since 2022, nearly all VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and use MTD-compatible software to submit their VAT100 returns. You generally cannot log into the HMRC portal and manually type numbers into boxes anymore.
The 9 Boxes
The VAT return consists of 9 boxes. The most critical are:
- Box 3: Total VAT due.
- Box 4: VAT reclaimed on purchases.
- Box 5: Net VAT to pay to HMRC (or reclaim).
Common Mistake: Reclaiming Blocked VAT
You cannot reclaim VAT on business entertainment (entertaining clients). Claiming this in Box 4 is a common audit trigger and will result in penalties.
Deadlines
You usually have 1 calendar month and 7 days after the end of an accounting period to submit the return and pay HMRC.
Related Guides & Tools
Other Guides: CT600 (Company Tax Return)
Tools: VAT Calculator