VATAAS3200 | Structure of the annual accounting year: The annual VAT return

Normally, we are unable to issue a VAT return for a period longer than 12 months. A business may receive a short period return when it joins the scheme if it requested a year end which would make the annual accounting year longer than 12 months.

However, if a business is applying to use the annual accounting scheme from its Effective Date of Registration, then it is possible to have an annual period which is 12 months and 30 days (maximum). Any additional days will not be used when calculating the interim payments or when they are due.

In addition, the annual accounting system does not issue VAT return periods which are shorter than 3 months. As a result there may be instances when, because of the requested annual accounting year end date, a business will receive one or more short period VAT returns before a 12 month return.