FROM April 2010, if you have an annual VAT exclusive turnover of £100,000 or more you will have to do your VAT returns online and pay your VAT electronically. Also, if you register for VAT from 1 April 2010 onwards, you’ll have to file online from the start, whatever your turnover.

But don’t worry, it’s the same form and the process is secure.

Doing your return online also helps reduce errors, provides automatic calculations and with an on-screen acknowledgment that it’s been received you don’t have to worry. What’s more, it’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can do your return at a time that suits you.

If you’re using HMRC Online Services for the first time, you will have to register for an online account.

For more information go to businesslink.gov.uk/vat

For further help, watch the video guide on the basics of VAT at businesslink.gov.uk/hmrctaxhelp or on our video guide from the dropdown menu in the special green tax help section in Law & Tax.

New VAT regulations