VAT Returns Service
VAT returns service to help your business register and submit your VAT returns to HMRC. We can also offer VAT advice and guidance.
VAT Returns Service
At DS Burge & Co, our team of VAT accountants can help you with everything from becoming VAT registered through to preparing and submitting your small business VAT returns to HMRC.
If you need VAT advice and guidance, we’re also here to support you. Whether you want to talk through the benefits and requirements for becoming VAT registered, the different VAT schemes available, or want to understand how VAT is applied to services or products in the UK and abroad, we can help.
Let us help remove the administrative burden and stress of filing your small business VAT returns so that they’re submitted on time every time.

How DS Burge & Co takes the stress out of your VAT Return?
- If you’re not currently VAT registered, we can look at the relevant VAT schemes your business is eligible for. We’ll discuss the advantages of each scheme with you, and then get your business VAT registered.
- Most small businesses manage their bookkeeping internally, using “Making Tax Digital” compliant software. If you opt for this route, then we can help advise where you’re required to invoice VAT, as well as which expenses you can claim the VAT back on.
- At the end of every quarter (or relevant accounting period), we’ll be in touch to ask if your accounting software is up-to-date, and that all relevant transactions for the quarter in question have been recorded and reconciled.
- If you opt for our bookkeeping services we’ll take care of the invoicing and reconciliations for you. We’ll also double-check if there are any additional transactions or expenses that we’re unaware of that need to be accounted for.
- We’ll review your accounts, making sure everything is in order, and compute your figures. Where possible we’ll make recommendations to lower your VAT liability, then we’ll submit your VAT return electronically to HMRC.
- We’ll also let you know the total VAT bill you owe, along with the relevant payment deadline.
- Typically, clients opt for VAT to be taken by HMRC by direct debit, but you may choose to pay by an alternative method such as bank transfer.
- As with other areas of tax, we can act on your behalf for any correspondence with HMRC – even if they request a VAT inspection.
Let us take the stress out of your VAT returns
If you'd like to find out more about our VAT return services or need VAT advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch

What is a VAT return?
If you’re a VAT registered business, you are required to submit a VAT return to HMRC. In a nutshell, your VAT return will take the VAT you’ve charged on your invoices to customers and minus the VAT you can reclaim for your applicable business expenses.
Your VAT return is, therefore, a calculation of how much VAT you are required to pay or be reimbursed by HMRC.
Testimonials
DS Burge & Co
- Professional and friendly accountants who take away the hassle of completing my tax return. Their service is quick and efficient - would highly recommend.Maren R.1/12/2024
- Kieran and his team are very knowledgeable and have great attention to detail. Communication is swift, efficient and always done in a timely manner, making sure things are done well in advance of needing them, and they are always very quick to respond to any queries or concerns I have. Very confident in their ability to deal with my personal tax affairs.Paula W.2/10/2024
- I have been using DS Burge & Co to do my company and personal accounts for the last few years, and have always found them to be very thorough and professional. Additionally they are always on hand to provide me with advice whenever i need it, in a friendly and personal way.Andy S.1/26/2022
- Very professional, excellent advice and reasonable charge ratesJeremy W.2/02/2024
- I am very pleased with the service they provide.Louise H.12/26/2023
- Very smooth process from start to finish. I was assisted with a complex matter which had been badly handled by my previous accountant and the resolution was quick under Mr Burge’s stewardship. Highly recommend.Henry B.1/26/2022
- We have used the services of DS Burge for about a year. We have been extremely pleased with the level of service we receive from them. Their staff are very professional, and we highly recommend them.Firoza C.2/17/2024
- Great company. Efficiently dealt with some tax business. Will be using again for sureRichard4/09/2026
- I've been with DS Burge & Co for a couple of years now and have always been massively impressed by how friendly, professional and efficient they are. I'm a freelancer with zero financial knowledge and Kieran has really helped me navigate what can sometimes be a complicated landscape. I know I can ask for help with anything and have complete trust. Would 100% recommend!Viki B.1/26/2022
- I switched from decades of PAYE to working for myself: the idea of completing my own tax filings wasn't a prospect I relished especially as I also had investments. DS Burge have been a real relief to work with: always available to take questions and engage in a dialogue - with speedy responeses - dealing with both me and my financial advisor. It's been extremely re-assuring. Combined with a thoughtful and dilligent approach to their work and the fact they are generally nice people, I have no hesitation in recommending DS Burge.Gavin C.11/26/2023
- Kieran, Kate and the team at DSBurge are amazing. They handle all my accounts for my dental practice and also manage my monthly staff payroll. They are a super efficient team and are always available to answer my queries. Highly recommend them. I have already been recommending them to my dental colleagues and friends.Pooja P.1/19/2024
- I have been with Burge Accountants for many years now, and have always found them extremely helpful in answering any questions I may have and in giving advice. I have a lot of trust in them and find them extremely professional.Paul A.1/26/2022
- I am delighted with the service I receive and the help I always get and the availability of Kieran and Yuko to assist me. I am extremely grateful that the fees have not rocketed up. I feel safe in their hands and a valued customer. I have only positive comments to give.Marion L.1/26/2022
- Kieran Burge is excellent, including at accurately resolving taxes across multiple jurisdictions, which is incredibly helpful.Michael B.7/12/2026
- I have used the DS Burge team for the past couple of years and they have been excellent each time I engaged them.They are very prompt and helpful with their guidance, and they remove the stress from the tax return process. I would highly recommend them.Tim P.5/01/2026
Deadline for VAT returns?
The VAT return deadline is typically every quarter. The deadline for filing and payment is 1 month and 7 days after the end of each quarter.
Some businesses submit VAT returns and pay their VAT annually. If you are in this boat, your deadline is 2 months after the end of your VAT year. Do bear in mind that this can be different from your accounting year.
If you miss any deadlines or make any mistakes, it could result in a penalty being charged by HMRC as well as interest on any resulting late VAT payment. Naturally, we recommend you use our VAT return service to help stay on top of deadlines and ensure you pay the correct amount to HMRC.


Do I need to register for VAT?
There are two reasons to register for VAT, compulsory registration and voluntary registration
- Compulsory Registration: If your company’s VAT taxable turnover exceeds the government’s set threshold, you are legally obligated to register for VAT.
- Voluntary Registration: You can voluntarily register for VAT even if your turnover is below the government’s set threshold. Voluntary registration can be beneficial in situations such as reclaiming VAT on qualifying business purchases.
There are a number of reasons you may wish to voluntary register for VAT, for example, you can reclaim VAT on qualifying purchases made by your businesses.
It also makes sense for some businesses to register for VAT in advance of meeting the threshold requirements. For example, if your projected taxable turnover will meet the £85,000 within the next 30 days, or if your company wants to set pricing and accounting processes factoring for VAT.
How to register for VAT?
If your company’s VAT taxable turnover is greater than £85,000 you must register for VAT.
VAT registration for your business can be completed online. This applies to both compulsory VAT registration and voluntary VAT registration. If you appoint us as your accountant, we can register your business with HMRC. As your agent, we can also submit your VAT returns.

Don't delay! Get in Touch
If you are considering switching accountants, we can help make the switch smooth, quick and hassle-free.
What does VAT Apply to?
Does VAT apply to all products or services sold?
Not all services, products or customers you invoice will have VAT charges levied. Similarly, some of your business costs and expenses may be exempt or zero-rated for VAT.
We can help guide you, and when it’s time to file, we can ensure that you don’t overpay (or underpay) the amount you owe to HMRC.
Is there VAT on Services in the UK?
If your business is based in the UK, and you meet the VAT threshold then it is highly likely that all services your company sells will need to have VAT levied.
Please get in contact with one of our VAT accountants to confirm your specific requirements.
Is there VAT on Services outside the UK?
VAT charges that you need to levy for businesses and individuals outside of the UK varies. Please read our VAT on International Transactions resource to read up on the latest guidance.
Do I have to submit my VAT return digitally?
Since the 1st April 2019, if your business is over the VAT threshold, HMRC have insisted on VAT returns to be submitted digitally, as part of the government “making tax digital” (MTD) scheme.
