A Simple Guide to Accessing Your VAT Returns

As a small business owner, keeping track of your VAT returns is essential, especially when applying for business funding.

Lenders often ask for VAT returns from the 12 months to get a better understanding of your business’ revenues. Knowing how to find and manage these records will help make sure you’re prepared for any requests.

This guide will show you how to check VAT returns and how to access your VAT account online, so you can download or print them whenever needed.

What are VAT returns and why are they important?

If your business is VAT-registered, you must submit VAT returns regularly to HMRC. These returns show how much VAT you’ve collected from sales and how much VAT you’ve paid on purchases. Based on this information, HMRC calculates if you owe them money or if they owe you a refund.

Lenders ask for VAT returns when you apply for business loans or funding because it shows a clear picture of your business’ revenue and expenses. By looking at these returns, lenders can decide whether to approve your loan and what terms to offer. For this reason, knowing how to access VAT returns is essential to prepare for a loan application.

How to check your VAT returns

Follow these simple steps to access and manage your VAT returns through HMRC’s online system.

Step 1: Log in to HMRC

To get started, visit the HMRC website and log in to your online account using the Government Gateway credentials you received when registering.

If you forget your login details, you can easily recover them by clicking on the "Problems signing in" link on the login page.

Step 2: Access your VAT account

Once you’ve logged in, you’ll be shown a list of tax services that you’ve signed up for.

These could include things like PAYE for employers or ‘Making Tax Digital for VAT’. To view your VAT returns, find and click on the Making Tax Digital for VAT section. From here, select "Manage your VAT account".

Step 3: View past VAT returns

Once you’re inside the VAT account, find the option labeled "View past returns". Clicking on this will show you a list of all the VAT returns you’ve submitted to HMRC.

From here, you can select any specific VAT return you need, whether it’s for your records or for sharing with a lender.

We also have a simple guide to checking your HMRC position for VAT and PAYE, which you can view here.

Step 4: Print your VAT returns

If the lender or anyone else requires a hard copy of your VAT returns, you can also print them directly from the HMRC portal. Once you’ve found the return you need, just select the print option, and you’re good to go.

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Your common questions answered

Where do I find my VAT returns?

You can find your VAT returns by logging into your HMRC account and going to the Making Tax Digital for VAT section.

From there, you’ll click on "View past returns" to see all your previously submitted returns.

How do I get my VAT return?

To get a VAT return report, follow the same steps to log in to your VAT account and select the specific return you need. You can then download or print the report for your records.

How do I download my VAT certificate from HMRC?

In some cases, you might need to download your VAT certificate. This certificate proves that your business is VAT-registered and includes important information like your VAT number. To download it, log in to your HMRC VAT account and look for the VAT certificate section. Click to download or print the certificate as needed.

How do I download a VAT return copy online?

If a lender asks for a digital copy of your VAT return, you can easily download it from this section.

After selecting the VAT return you need, there will be a download option, usually in PDF format. Once downloaded, you can email the document or keep it for your own records.

Does HMRC check all VAT returns?

While HMRC doesn’t check every single return, they do conduct random audits. You must be accurate with your returns because HMRC may ask for further information to ensure compliance.

Can I use a spreadsheet for Making Tax Digital?

Yes, you can use a spreadsheet for Making Tax Digital if you use bridging software that links the spreadsheet to HMRC’s system.

However, you’ll need to make sure it meets all Making Tax Digital requirements.

Do all VAT returns have to be digital?

Yes, if you’re VAT-registered, all VAT returns must be submitted digitally through Making Tax Digital software.

You can no longer submit paper returns, so it’s essential to switch to digital if you haven’t already.

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