VAT

The VAT issues you need to consider when running your business.

VAT - a summary

VAT registered businesses act as unpaid tax collectors and are required to account both promptly and accurately for all the tax revenue collected by them. This factsheet highlights some of the areas that you need to consider when running your business.

VAT - annual accounting scheme

The annual accounting scheme helps small businesses by allowing them to submit only one VAT return annually rather than the normal four.

VAT - bad debt relief

This factsheet explains the situations where the VAT bad debt relief applies.

VAT - cash accounting

Cash accounting enables a business to account for and pay VAT on the basis of cash received and paid rather than on the basis of invoices issued and received. The factsheet explains the workings of cash accounting.

VAT - flat rate scheme

The VAT flat rate scheme for small businesses potentially reduces the administrative burden imposed when operating VAT. Under the scheme, a set percentage is applied to the turnover of the business as a one-off calculation instead of having to identify and record the VAT on each sale and purchase you make. This factsheet explains how the VAT Flat Rate Scheme works.

VAT - Making Tax Digital

An overview of the Making Tax Digital for VAT regulations.

VAT - seven key points for the smaller business

This factsheet focuses on VAT matters of relevance to the smaller business. A primary aim is to highlight common risk areas as a better understanding can contribute to a reduction of errors and help to minimise penalties.

The latest news

05 Feb 2026

Pubs get 15% business rates relief

Pubs and live music venues in England will be given a 15% discount on their business rates bills from April and will not see increases for two years, the government announced.

05 Feb 2026

Tax timebomb poses existential threat to high streets, government warned

Small businesses such as cafes, shops and hairdressers are facing three years of business rates misery with an average 52% hike in bills, analysis from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed.

05 Feb 2026

Self assessment payments via the HMRC app up 65%

The number of people using the HMRC app to pay their self assessment tax bill has increased by 65% this tax year, according to the tax authority.

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VAT

The latest news

Pubs get 15% business rates relief

Tax timebomb poses existential threat to high streets, government warned

Self assessment payments via the HMRC app up 65%