Old VAT Portal to Close on November 1

At the end of October, HMRC will close the current VAT online account, leaving VAT-registered firms with the option of implementing MTD-compatible software or paying fines.

Businesses who are registered for VAT will no longer be able to submit their quarterly and monthly VAT reports via the VAT online account, HMRC has confirmed.

Businesses now have no choice but to file their returns and maintain their VAT records using MTD-compatible software as a result of the closing of the online account.

Digitally exempt firms will be the only exception to this rule and may continue to use the online VAT account.

Although the online portal will close from Tuesday 1 November 2022, businesses that file annual returns can still use this route until 15 May 2023, however doing this will incur substantial penalties.