Home About Us Services Resources Sage Insurance Useful Links How Do We Charge? Contact VAT Although VAT in many cases is straightforward, nevertheless there are aspects of the tax which can be complex,  and in such cases it is easy to make mistakes which can often lead to mis-declaration penalties. As VAT is a self-assessing tax, this means that the tax payer must bear full responsibility.  We would ensure that  the correct amount of VAT is shown on your VAT Return and that your VAT Return is filed on time.  This now must  be filed online, and this is where we as Accountants can assist. Default surcharges imposed by HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) can rise to as high as 15% of the VAT unpaid, and  covers late filing of Returns and/or late payment. At Batesons we will ensure that your VAT Returns are filed on time so that you do not fall foul of the system and  pay more than you need to, especially in terms of late filing penalties.  Our VAT service covers amongst other things:- • Initial VAT registration • Advice on VAT planning and administration  • Advice on the use of the most appropriate scheme • VAT Control and Reconciliation • Assistance with the completion of VAT Returns • Planning to eliminate future problems with HM Customs & Excise  • Negotiating on your behalf with Customs & Excise in VAT disputes and in some cases representing you at VAT  Tribunals • Appeals against late registration and default surcharges. OUR SERVICE At Batesons, on your behalf, we will undertake a VAT health check.  Should we find any errors then you will have  the opportunity to make voluntary disclosures to HMRC, thus avoiding any unnecessary penalties. Fees for a VAT health check are usually based on an hourly rate, but in some cases where a VAT repayment is due, and we consider that we can achieve this, then we would offer you the option of a fixed fee based on a given  percentage of the VAT recovered, or in the event of a no win situation then this would cost you nothing.