VAT Returns Service for UK Businesses

Stay compliant with HMRC without the quarterly admin . Sleek prepares your VAT returns, gets your approval before submission, and handles the filing. Included in our Pro Plan from £100/month*.

Save time with a fully managed VAT return service
Stay compliant with HMRC and MTD requirements
Get expert support when VAT questions come up

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How our VAT returns service works

Step 01

We review your records and VAT position

We pull together your bookkeeping data, digital records, and supporting documents to build an accurate VAT return. This helps us spot issues early, check that your VAT treatment is consistent, and make sure your VAT return service runs smoothly each quarter.

Step 02

We prepare your VAT return with accuracy in mind

Your VAT return accountant reviews the figures, prepares the return, and confirms everything is ready for HMRC VAT return submission. We also checkt whether your current setup and VAT scheme still make sense for your business.

Step 03

You approve everything before we file

Before anything is submitted, we send the completed return to you for review and approval. That gives you visibility over your quarterly VAT returns without leaving you stuck handling the admin yourself.

Step 04

We submit your return and support you after filing

Once approved, we complete the VAT filing service and submit your return to HMRC through MTD-compliant software. If questions come up afterwards, we can help you deal with the process quickly and clearly.

Accounting solutions for every business

Switch to Sleek and ‎‎ save 20% on annual accounting, with reliable support and full compliance.

Expert accounting

From

£900

£60/mo*

billed annually

Takes less than 2 minutes. No obligation.

We’ll tailor your accounting package with the below essential services based on your business needs:

Bookkeeping (annual or monthly based on your business stage)

Year-end accounts & Tax Return

Dedicated accountant for ongoing support

Confirmation Statement filing

Xero subscription (included with Pro Plan)

Director’s Tax Return

VAT filing

Payroll & pension filing for 1–5 employees

*Price shown is the starting rate for annual billing after 20% discount. Limited time offer.

Monthly Yearly (Save more)

Accounting Basic

Ideal for entrepreneurs just starting out who need to stay compliant with expert bookkeeping support.

From

£900

£720

Covers all essentials:

20% OFF

Accounting Pro (includes VAT filing & Payroll)

Perfect for businesses focused on growth, requiring monthly bookkeeping, payroll, and tax compliance.

From

£1,248

£960

Full service accounting:

Monthly Bookkeeping
Year-end accounts & Tax Return
Dedicated Accountant
Confirmation Statement
Xero Subscription
Director's Tax Return
VAT filing
Payroll & Pension filing 1-5 employees

20% OFF

Compare plans Compare plans

Accounting Basic

From £50/mo*

Accounting Pro
(includes VAT filing & Payroll)

From £100/mo*

Bookkeeping

Annual

Monthly

Xero Subscription

Confirmation Statement

Year-end accounts & Tax Return

Dedicated Accountant

Director’s Tax Return

£250/financial year

VAT filing

Payroll & Pension filing 1-5 employees

Multi-currency support

£10/month

backdated bookkeeping

£750/fy (up to 100 transactions)

*For financial years ending in under 3 months, a minimum 3-month purchase of the monthly accounting plan is required.

Discover the difference with expert accounting

Who is our VAT returns service for?

Our VAT returns service works for UK limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships that are VAT-registered and want their returns handled by a qualified accountant.

Whether you’ve recently crossed the £90,000 threshold, registered voluntarily, or moved on from filing yourself, the setup is the same.

It suits business owners who:

Run a UK business with quarterly or monthly VAT obligations

Use cloud bookkeeping software like Xero or QuickBooks

Want VAT reviewed by an accountant rather than handled in-house

Prefer one team for VAT, bookkeeping, and wider tax work

What’s included in our VAT returns service

Sleek gives you a hands-off VAT returns service that keeps filing simple, accurate, and on time. We prepare your return, check the figures, send it to you for approval, and submit it to HMRC as part of your Pro plan.

Preparation and submission of your VAT returns

Review of your records and VAT position before filing

Approval workflow before anything is submitted

Support with HMRC VAT queries where needed

Advice on which VAT scheme saves you the most time and money

Digital document capture through Xero, QuickBooks, and Dext

Already managing your VAT returns? Here's what we handle differently

When you’re filing your own VAT returns, the preparation, submission, and compliance risk all sit with you. Sleek takes that off your plate so you can focus on running the business.

What are VAT returns?

VAT returns are the quarterly (or annual) reports you file with HMRC showing the VAT you've charged customers, the VAT you've paid on business purchases, and the net amount you owe or can reclaim. Every VAT-registered business must file on time and accurately, or face penalties and interest.

Which VAT scheme is right for my business?

The right VAT scheme depends on how your business operates, your cash flow needs, and how much admin you want to handle. Choosing the right setup can make VAT returns easier to manage, improve reporting accuracy, and help your business stay efficient as it grows. Weigh up which scheme suits you best:

What are the benefits of being VAT-registered?

Being VAT-registered can make your business look more established, and it allows you to reclaim VAT on eligible purchases. It can also support growth if you work with suppliers or customers that expect VAT registration, especially once your turnover approaches the threshold explained in our VAT threshold guide.

Trusted for VAT returns

UK business owners choose Sleek for VAT support that is clear, responsive, and easy to manage. From VAT set-up to ongoing filings, clients value having a team that keeps compliance moving without adding more admin.

“Great team. Easy to work with. It’s been really easy working with Sleek. From getting started to getting our VAT set-up, the team has always answered questions quickly and clearly. Happy with the service.”

AmyClient

“Efficient and reliable. The team at Sleek have been looking after my VAT for years now. They have been reliable, efficient and helpful, and I have recommended them to others in my industry.”

O TridgellEntrepreneur

“Consistently excellent service for 2+ years. The platform makes managing my company’s bookkeeping, VAT filings, and wider compliance simple and stress-free.”

Vinod KumarFounder

How does Sleek compare to filing your own VAT returns?

Most VAT-registered businesses choose between handling returns in-house or outsourcing them to an accountant. The work doesn’t disappear when you file yourself, it just lands on your side of the desk.


Task	With Sleek	Filing it yourself
Quarterly preparation	Handled by your VAT accountant	You pull the data, calculate VAT, and prepare the return
Accuracy review	Reviewed by a qualified accountant before you approve	You spot errors before submission
MTD-compliant submission	We submit on your behalf	You file through HMRC-recognised software
HMRC queries	We respond and keep you updated	You handle correspondence and chase responses
Scheme review and rule changes	We flag when your scheme or treatment should change	You track HMRC updates yourself

Am I exempt from charging VAT?

Not every business has to change VAT, and some goods or services may be exempt, outside the scope, or zero-rated depending on what you sell. Understanding the difference is important because it affects whether you need to register, what you can reclaim, and how your VAT returns should be handled. For a fuller breakdown, see our guide on when not to charge VAT in the UK.

Meet your VAT Returns team

Our UK accounting team helps businesses stay on top of VAT returns with accurate preparation, clear communication, and reliable HMRC compliance support. With experienced accountants across bookkeeping, VAT, and tax, you get practical help that keeps your filings on track and reduces the admin on your side.

Toby Denwood

Tax Manager

Toby heads our UK tax team, advising owner-managed businesses on Corporation Tax, personal tax and compliance obligations. He supports clients with structured tax planning and ensures all filings meet HMRC requirements.

Maddison Owen AAT

Accountant

Maddison is an AAT-qualified accountant with over six years of experience, specialising in year-end accounts and VAT. She is known for building trusted relationships with her clients, taking time to understand their business and provide clear, practical support. Her friendly approach helps business owners feel confident in their financial reporting.

Chloe Waite (MAAT, ACCA)

Accounts Manager

Chloe supports a wide range of Sleek clients with year-end accounts, VAT returns and Self Assessment. With eight years of experience in accounting, she works across multiple areas of client accounting to ensure accurate reporting and smooth day-to-day financial management.

Holly Chapman (MAAT)

Senior Accountant

Holly specialises in year-end accounts and management reporting for UK businesses. With experience across both practice and industry, she builds customised management accounts packs that provide clear financial insights and support better decision-making.

Why work with a specialist VAT accountant?

A specialist VAT accountant helps you stay compliant, reduce admin, and make more confident decisions as your business grows. With Sleek, you get practical support with VAT returns, guidance on VAT schemes, and a clearer process for dealing with HMRC requirements.

Support with accurate VAT return preparation and submission
Guidance on choosing the right VAT scheme for your business
Help staying compliant with HMRC and Making Tax Digital rules
Less time spent on VAT admin, more time on your business
Expert input when VAT questions or issues come up

For a deeper look at what to consider, read our guide on how to choose a specialist VAT accountant.

FAQs on VAT returns service

When are VAT returns due?

VAT returns are usually due every 3 months, although some businesses file monthly or annually under specific schemes. The deadline is normally 1 calendar month and 7 days after the end of your VAT period, and payment is usually due by the same date. Missing that deadline can cause avoidable admin, cash flow pressure, and possible penalties.

What information is needed for a VAT return?

To complete a VAT return, you normally need your total sales and purchases for the period, the VAT charged on sales, the VAT reclaimable on costs, and details of any adjustments. The quality of the return depends on the quality of the records behind it, so complete invoices, reconciled bookkeeping, and accurate VAT treatment all matter.

Can a business file VAT returns itself?

Yes, a business can file its own VAT returns if it keeps proper digital records, understands how VAT applies to its transactions, and uses compatible software where required. The harder part is usually checking that the figures are correct before submission. For a practical overview, see our VAT filing guide.

What happens if a VAT return is late?

If a VAT return is late, HMRC can charge penalties or interest depending on how late the return or payment is and whether you have missed deadlines before. Late filing can also create extra admin if you need to correct errors or respond to follow-up questions. For a fuller breakdown, read our guide to the VAT late payment penalty.

What records do I need to keep for VAT?

You usually need to keep sales invoices, purchase invoices, credit notes, import and export records, and evidence for any VAT adjustments or reclaims. These records should support every figure included in your return. Good record-keeping makes quarterly filing easier, reduces the chance of errors, and helps if HMRC ever asks questions about a submission.

Monthly vs quarterly VAT return service: which is better?

Most businesses file quarterly because it is simpler and easier to manage. Monthly filing can work well for businesses that regularly reclaim VAT and want repayments processed more often. The best option depends on your cash flow, how up to date your bookkeeping is, and whether the benefit of more frequent reporting outweighs the extra admin.

What should I consider when switching VAT returns provider?

When switching VAT returns provider, look at who handles the handover, how your bookkeeping data will be reviewed, and whether previous VAT submissions will be checked for issues. A good switch should do more than move the filing work elsewhere. It should improve accuracy, visibility, and confidence in future VAT returns without disrupting your reporting cycle. If you’re thinking about switching, we can walk you through how a handover to Sleek works on a quick call.

Need more information?

Browse our articles for in-depth guides, expert tips, and the latest updates on UK business essentials.

Carles M,
Sleek Advisor

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