VAT returns
VAT done properly, without the quarterly headache
VAT touches almost every sale and purchase you make. Getting it wrong can mean paying too much, claiming too little or a letter from HMRC you'd rather not open.
We help you decide when to register, pick the scheme that suits your business and file accurate returns every quarter through Making Tax Digital software.
Accredited partners of the software you already use
Gold Partner
Bronze Partner
- sage
- Making Tax
Digital ready
What's included
What our VAT service covers
VAT registration
Compulsory or voluntary registration handled, with advice on timing and whether registering early makes sense.
Choosing a scheme
Standard, Flat Rate, Cash Accounting or Annual Accounting compared for your business.
Quarterly VAT returns
Returns prepared from your records, checked and filed through Making Tax Digital-compatible software.
Tricky transactions
Mixed supplies, overseas sales, property and other grey areas reviewed before they reach a return.
Threshold monitoring
Your rolling turnover watched so you know well in advance if registration is coming.
Software set-up
Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent configured with the right VAT codes from the start.
HMRC correspondence
Queries, checks and letters from HMRC about your VAT dealt with on your behalf.
Deregistration
Advice on whether to deregister if turnover falls, and the process handled for you.
More than a filing service
The right scheme matters as much as the return
Filing a VAT return is the easy bit. The bigger savings come from decisions made earlier: when to register, which scheme to use and how to treat the transactions that don't fit neatly into a box.
Because we also keep your books, we see your VAT position building through the quarter. There are no last-minute surprises, and you know what you'll owe before the deadline arrives.
Pay the right VAT. Claim everything you're owed. File on time.
No missed deadlines
Every return prepared and filed on time, with the amount due flagged in advance.
The right scheme
Your scheme reviewed as the business changes, not just when you first register.
MTD compliant
Returns filed through Making Tax Digital-compatible software, as HMRC requires.
Fewer surprises
Unusual transactions checked before filing, so errors don't turn into penalties.
How it works
Getting started is simple
- 1
Book a free consultation
Tell us about your business, your turnover and where you are with VAT today.
- 2
We review your position
We check whether you need to register, which scheme fits and how your records are set up.
- 3
We get you set up
We register you or take over your VAT account, and connect your software to HMRC.
- 4
We file every return
Each quarter we prepare, check and submit your return, and tell you what to pay.
Why Foundry
More than just an accountant
Proactive, not reactive
We look ahead through the year, so opportunities and risks are spotted before they cost you.
Fixed, transparent fees
One agreed monthly fee, set out before you start. No surprise invoices for picking up the phone.
Cloud-first
Xero, FreeAgent, QuickBooks or Sage, set up properly — so your numbers are always up to date.
Real people, plain English
Talk directly to the accountant who knows your business. No call centre, no jargon.
FAQs
Got questions? We've got answers.
Can't see yours? Ask us directly — the first conversation is free.
When do I need to register for VAT?
You must register if your VAT-taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. There is also a forward-looking test if you expect a single large jump in sales. Because it's a rolling test, not a tax-year one, it's easy to cross without noticing. We keep an eye on your turnover so you can register at the right time and avoid late-registration penalties.
Should I register for VAT voluntarily?
Sometimes it pays to. If most of your customers are VAT-registered businesses, they can usually reclaim the VAT you charge, and you can reclaim VAT on your own costs. If you mainly sell to the public, registering can make you more expensive or eat into your margin. We look at who your customers are and what you spend before recommending either way.
Which VAT scheme is right for my business?
It depends on your turnover, your costs and how your customers pay. The Standard scheme suits most businesses. The Flat Rate Scheme can simplify things for businesses with low costs. Cash Accounting helps if customers pay slowly, and Annual Accounting spreads payments across the year. Some can be combined. We compare the options using your own figures so the choice is based on numbers, not guesswork.
What does Making Tax Digital mean for VAT?
All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and file their VAT returns using Making Tax Digital-compatible software. You can no longer type figures into HMRC's website. Cloud packages like Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent are compatible, and we can set up and connect your software so returns go straight from your records to HMRC.
Can I deregister if my turnover drops?
You can usually apply to deregister if you expect your VAT-taxable turnover over the next 12 months to be £88,000 or less. It isn't always the right move, especially if your customers are VAT-registered or you'd lose the ability to reclaim VAT on costs. There may also be VAT to account for on stock and assets you still hold. We'll help you weigh it up and handle the process.
Related services
Want your VAT handled properly?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll check your VAT position, make sure you're on the right scheme and take the quarterly returns off your hands.