How do I set up an online accountancy service for my sole trader business?

Setting up online accounting for your sole trader business with Accountsway takes just a few steps: choose a pricing plan, share your financial documents securely, and our team handles your bookkeeping, Self Assessment tax return, and HMRC submissions on your behalf. You also get access to Xero accounting software included in your plan.

What do outsourced accounting services actually include?

Accountsway's outsourced accounting services include bookkeeping, VAT return preparation and submission, monthly or quarterly management accounts, payroll processing, Self Assessment or Corporation Tax returns, and Companies House filings. Higher-tier plans also include virtual CFO support and financial modelling.

I am a freelancer. Do I really need professional accounting services?

Freelancers in the UK are required to register for Self Assessment and file a tax return with HMRC each year. While not legally required to hire an accountant, doing so helps you claim all allowable business expenses, reduce your tax bill, avoid penalties for late or incorrect submissions, and save significant time during tax season.

Which accounting software do you use?

Accountsway uses Xero accounting software, which automates invoicing, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting. Xero access is included in our plans, and we offer the first month of accounting services free so you can experience the platform before committing.

How do I know if my business needs accounting services?

Your business likely needs professional accounting services if you are missing HMRC tax deadlines, unsure how to reclaim VAT, spending more than a few hours per week on bookkeeping, or growing to a point where financial planning becomes complex. UK businesses with a turnover over £90,000 are also legally required to register for VAT.

Are accounting services worth it for a small business?

Yes. For most UK small businesses, the cost of professional accounting services is outweighed by tax savings through proper expense claims, penalties avoided for late HMRC submissions, and hours saved each month on bookkeeping. Accountsway's plans start from £25.50 + VAT per month, making it affordable for sole traders and small limited companies.

How much does a small business accountant cost in the UK?

The cost of a small business accountant in the UK varies widely. Traditional high-street accountants charge £500–£2,000+ per year for basic services. Accountsway offers fixed-fee online accounting from £25.50 + VAT per month for sole traders, with no hidden charges and the first month free.

Do I need an accountant as a limited company in the UK?

Limited companies in the UK must file annual accounts with Companies House and a Corporation Tax return with HMRC each year. While not legally required to use an accountant, these obligations are complex and errors can result in fines. Most limited company directors use a professional accountant to ensure compliance.

Which accounting firms provide NHS VAT return services?

As a doctor, your income may come from a mix of NHS employment, locum shifts, private patients, and consultancy work. Keeping track of everything can quickly become difficult, especially when it comes to tax and accounting. Accountsway has made it easy for doctors by offering cheap VAT advisory services. As we are fully aware with IR35 rules for locums.

How to choose an accountant for VAT returns in the UK

When choosing an accountant for VAT returns, ensure they are ACCA or ACMA qualified and fully knowledgeable about HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements. This guarantees accurate, compliant, and timely VAT submissions. At Accountsway, our tax advisors are fully trained in MTD and provide reliable VAT compliance services.

How to choose an accountant for VAT returns in the UK

When choosing an accountant for VAT returns, ensure they are ACCA or ACMA qualified and fully knowledgeable about HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements. This guarantees accurate, compliant, and timely VAT submissions. At Accountsway, our tax advisors are fully trained in MTD and provide reliable VAT compliance services.

Do I need an accountant for my VAT returns?

It is not a legal requirement to hire an accountant for tax returns in the UK. However, tax rules can become complex, and mistakes can be costly. For example, doctors often deal with multiple income sources and VAT complexities, In such cases, working with a qualified accountant can help ensure accuracy, compliance, and better financial management.

How to book a consultation with a Uk property tax accountant online?

To book a consultation with a UK property tax accountant, simply complete the “Get Started” form on our website. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email along with a WhatsApp message to schedule your Zoom session with our accountant.

Can VAT returns be filed online only?

Yes, most UK VAT returns must be submitted electronically using HMRC-approved software. we are using Xero as software to submit VAT returns.

How long does it take to file a VAT return in the UK?

Under HMRC regulations, VAT returns are generally due by the 7th day following the end of each VAT quarter. At Accountsway, we prepare and submit your VAT return within 48–72 hours, ensuring your filing is completed accurately and on time.

What does a VAT accountants do?

A VAT accountant in London helps you manage your input and output VAT, complete your VAT registration, prepare accurate VAT records, and submit your VAT returns on your behalf while ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations.

What are the penalties for late VAT returns or payments?

Yes, HMRC charges interest on late VAT payments and may also impose penalties for late VAT return submissions. Working with an experienced VAT accountant can help you file your returns on time, reduce the risk of errors, and avoid unnecessary interest and penalties.

Do you help with Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT?

We are using MTD complaint software such as Xero to submit your VAT return online.

Accounting

How to File a VAT Return in London: A Complete Guide for Small Businesses (2026)

Posted by

Accountsway

July 1, 2026

On July 1, 2026

VAT is the tax that is imposed by the HMRC, and it is collected from the end purchaser and collected by the retailers and sellers in the UK. Filing VAT in the UK is compulsory for sole traders when their turnover exceeds or touches the 90,000£ benchmark while running their operations in the UK. In the VAT in the UK you need to have the VAT accountants that will follow the process to file the VAT. In a financial year, the business needs to file the VAT return in the UK almost 4 times a year. Each quarter requires a VAT return to be filed in the UK,

and the retailers that are under the criteria must file it accurately as per the direction of the HMRC to file the VAT return online. The first step is to file the VAT return in the UK. You need to understand the deadlines that are to be followed to avoid the penalties.

You need to align all the digital records that are to be uploaded to the web portal of the HMRC. Accountsway is one of the emerging service providers that assist sole traders and companies to file VAT returns in the UK with ease. They are offering the most exclusive VAT return services for the business that are operated in the territory of the UK. They are experienced in the taxation matter and online tax filing and offer you dedicated support for a quarterly or yearly tax return. In this blog, we are providing you with a step-by-step guide on how you can file the VAT return in the UK with the help of a VAT accountant.

Comprehensive Guide on How to File a VAT Return in the UK by Following the Easiest Procedure

To file the VAT return in the UK, or if you hire a third party that is offering VAT return services in the UK, the following things are mandatory to follow as a capable VAT accountant.

Preparation of Record to File VAT Return in the UK

All your financial data that is for the quarter must be ready to be uploaded to the VAT filing portal designed by the HMRC. You must calculate all your financial figures with the help of software like XERO. Accountsway is offering VAT return services in the UK and provides Xero to calculate the figures that are to be uploaded on the HMRC portal. It ensures accuracy, and with very little hassle, you can file a VAT return in the UK with the supervision of Accountsway. They also engage their experts’ accountants if the business is having any sort of difficulty finalising the figure for the VAT return services in the UK.

You must Figure Out the Input Tax & Output Tax Figures.

Input tax is the tax that is charged by the sole traders or retailers from the clients purchasing something from you. This tax is added to the price of the product, and as a seller, HMRC authorizes you to collect that input tax on their behalf. The output tax is the tax that is allowed to be reclaimed on your business expenditure and other sorts of taxes that are already paid by the business. The calculation of the tax to be paid to the HMRC is simple: the tax amount is (Output tax – Input tax) as per the criteria defined by HMRC. If you are having the services of Accountsway for the VAT return services in the UK, you can easily calculate the input tax calculated by using XERO and the rest of the process is facilitated by the experts of Accountsway.

Complete the Online VAT Filing Procedure of the HMRC VAT Portal

The HMRC nine box VAT return filling is completed with the fresh figures that are for the quarter. They also have the adjustment of the tax that is to be made in the current quarter settled. By filling in all 9 boxes that are designed by the HMRC for VAT filing in the UK, you will conclude the tax filing, and you must pay the tax at the end of the process. HMRC makes the tax filing digital, and you have to submit the amount online as the full and final tax settlement, and your return for the quarter will be submitted. You can have assistance from Accountsway, who are offering the quickest VAT return filing services with the promise of accuracy and the least possible amount to be submitted as the tax liability.

Accountsway, with the backing of their exceptional taxation experts, makes the VAT return in the UK easier to follow for sole traders and organisations. They effortlessly handle the tricky situation and make full efforts that your tax rebates are claimed in front of the authority to minimize your tax liability for the quarter. There are exclusive offers you can avail ourselves for a quarter or for the whole year, VAT return services as an experienced VAT accountant in the UK.

Blog

Comprehensive Guide on How to File a VAT Return in the UK by Following the Easiest Procedure

Preparation of Record to File VAT Return in the UK

You must Figure Out the Input Tax & Output Tax Figures.

Complete the Online VAT Filing Procedure of the HMRC VAT Portal

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