Is vat the only tax that you cannot amend?

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I prepared vat figures for the Aug 17 quarter, but managed to send the client the figures for the May 17 quarter. She filed the return and paid the vat based on the figures I sent her. The amount declared and paid is be approx. £3k less than it should have been.

The client noticed the error (doubly embarrassing) and will pay the difference ASAP. 

However, it seems that even though we are still within the filing deadline for this quarter, there is no way to amend the figures and the only option is to follow the usual error correction route. As the difference is below £10k we can correct it on the next return and we will write to the Revenue to explain the error is ours (and pay the penalty if they decide it was careless).

I had read the (very poorly written) guidance from HMRC on the error correction process and for good measure called the helpline to see if there was something I missed, but it would appear there are no provisions for amending the figures submitted, even if it is before the filing deadline.

Have I missed anything or is vat unamendable?

Are there any other taxes treated like this?

Many thanks

Replies (4)

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chips_at_mattersey
By Les Howard
19th Sep 2017 17:08

Correct. HMRC do not yet allow online amendment of VAT Returns. I understand it is on the to do list.

Thanks (2)
RLI
By lionofludesch
19th Sep 2017 17:55

If the client sends the extra money, HMRC will probably send it back.

Thanks (1)
By Moonbeam
19th Sep 2017 18:27

Where there is a large under-declaration due to the wrong figures being shown on the return I always write to HMRC giving them the correct figures so they can't argue later that the client was trying to get an unfair cashflow advantage. I never advise anyone to pay an amount not shown on the VAT return. That would make it even more complicated!

Thanks (1)
By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
19th Sep 2017 18:30

Stick it on the next one.

End of story. Its worse when you [***] it up the other way and have to offer to fund the client the money for 3 months, and hope and pray they don't ask for it!

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