Filing your VAT return on time is a legal requirement for UK VAT-registered businesses . However, many business owners are unsure what actually happens if they miss the deadline — or submit their return a few days late. In this guide, we explain   VAT return deadlines , what penalties apply if you miss them, and how HMRC ’s new VAT penalty system works. When Is the VAT Return Deadline? In most cases, your VAT return must be submitted: 1 month and 7 days after the end of your VAT accounting period For example, if your VAT period ends on 31 March , your deadline is 7 May Both the VAT return submission and payment must be completed by this date. Can You Submit a VAT Return Late? Yes, you can submit a VAT return after the deadline — but this does not mean there are no consequences. HMRC records late submissions and applies penalties depending on: How late the return is How often you submit returns late Whether VAT is owed HMRC’s New VAT Penalty System (Points-Based) HMRC now us...