Filing clients’ VAT returns online

I have not seen any information about having to send payments electronically to tie in with the requirement to file online. Has anyone else seen this anywhere?

Wonderful news and not before time, as I have been complaining about this particular issue for years.

At last, agents who are not VAT registered can now enrol and file VAT returns instead of using the back door approach, viz. setting up clients individually and filing that way.

So I applied for a VAT Agents Reference Number.

First problem was that the name of my firm was unacceptable because it "didn't fit within HMRC's formats", even though the name is correctly shown at the top of its own web page. Being an "& Co." firm, I guessed this might be the issue (there being no guidance to assist me) hence I was forced to change my firm's name by removing the ampersand and full stop to get past that hurdle. Pathetic.

Well, at least the Reference Number appeared quickly after that.

Then I went to Step Two: Enrolment.

I tried to enrol.

Erm ... No! Can't do that. ERROR! ERROR!

The error message told me that either I had applied previously, which obviously I hadn't or I had incorrectly input the reference number (just given to me) and/or my postocde, which I hadn't.

Well, considering that I wasn't even allowed to enter my own firm's real name, why does none of this surprise me?

I have given up. Maybe when I have more idle time, I'll waste it on the HMRC web site again.

I'm still bemused (off topic, I'm sorry) that after HMRC's update of the Corporation Tax element of their website, one of my clients now has the following accounting periods:

• 01 Dec 2008 - 30 Nov 2009
• 01 Dec 2007 - 30 Nov 2008
• 01 Dec 2007 - 31 May 2014
• 01 Dec 2005 - 30 Nov 2006

And we are continually being forced to file returns when HMRC's own technology is suspect, to say the least.

Oh my Gawd! What a rigmarole! Why does the Government have to make everything so cumbersome? Graham

 Does the client still need to register for VAT online services if an agent is going to submit the returns? Not sure this is clear from HMRC website

nowny

From HMRC website:

Who has to switch to online VAT Returns?

 From 1st April 2010 you will have to submit your VAT Returns online and pay any VAT due electronically if either of the following applies:  ·       you have an annual turnover of £100,000 or more (exclusive of VAT)  ·       you register or should have registered for VAT on or after 1st April 2010 (regardless of your turnover)  

If you fall into either of the groups mentioned above, you will have to file all your VAT Returns online (including nil and repayment returns) even if your turnover drops below £100,000 in the future

It sounds easy '...can obtain a copy by contacting HMRC on Tel 0845 010 9000'.  I have been trying for over a week to speak to someone just to ask for a copy.  This line and the other one I tried (ends 8500) both have a messages saying 'we are experiencing a high volume of calls at the moment and are unable to speak to you' and then the call is disconnected. 

Personally I don't have the time to for this.

Does anyone know how else I can find the out when my company registered?  If not does anyone know of a email address I can use, or will the request have to be made by snailmail?

As usual, HMRC have failed to take into consideration the aggro involved in complying with their requirements!

Have you tried this one? I just tried it and got through first time. Good luck.

0292 050 1261