Expert UK VAT returns made simple and stress-free
We help UK businesses manage VAT registration, select the right scheme, and submit accurate returns. With your own dedicated accountant and free FreeAgent software, staying compliant is completely hassle-free.
Free to set up No minimum contract Switch in minutes
All-inclusive from
£104.50/mo + VAT
VAT registration threshold
VAT deregistration threshold
Cost of FreeAgent software
Dedicated named accountant
What you get with VAT Returns
When you must register for VAT
Register too late and you still owe the VAT. Here's the threshold and the rules that catch people out.
VAT registration threshold
£90,000
Taxable turnover, for both the 2025/26 and 2026/27 tax years. Deregistration threshold: £88,000.
The rolling 12-month test
Register if your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 across any rolling 12-month period — not your accounting year.
The next-30-days test
You must also register if you expect to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days alone (e.g. winning one big contract).
Voluntary registration
Below the threshold you can still register voluntarily to reclaim VAT on your costs — sometimes worth it.
Deregistering
If turnover falls below £88,000 you can apply to deregister. We'll tell you whether it's worth it.
The main VAT schemes
The scheme you choose changes your cash flow, admin and even how much VAT you pay. We pick the right one for you.
Standard VAT
The default
Account for VAT by invoice date — reclaim VAT on purchases, charge it on sales, file each quarter.
Flat Rate Scheme
Turnover ≤ £150,000
Pay a fixed percentage of gross sales instead of tracking VAT on every purchase. Simpler — but 'limited cost traders' pay 16.5%, so it isn't always cheaper.
Cash Accounting
Turnover ≤ £1.35m
Pay VAT only once your customers actually pay you — a real cash-flow help if your clients are slow.
Annual Accounting
Turnover ≤ £1.35m
Submit one return a year with regular advance payments — less admin and smoother budgeting.
Common VAT mistakes
VAT is where small errors get expensive fast. These are the ones we see most — and stop before they happen.
Registering too late
Slip over £90,000 unnoticed and HMRC backdates your registration — you owe the VAT even if you never charged it to customers.
Reclaiming what you can't
Client entertainment, personal purchases and most cars are blocked. Reclaiming them invites penalties and interest.
The Flat Rate trap
The Flat Rate Scheme isn't automatically cheaper — limited-cost traders pay 16.5%, often more than standard VAT would have cost.
Missing MTD deadlines
VAT is fully Making Tax Digital — returns must be filed from digital records, and the points-based penalty regime bites for late returns and payments.
The difference a dedicated accountant makes
Your own dedicated accountant
Get direct access to a named specialist who understands your business. No call centres, just professional support when you need it.
Free MTD-compatible software
We include FreeAgent bookkeeping software in your fixed monthly fee. Track your expenses and file your returns digitally with ease.
Fixed transparent monthly fees
Enjoy peace of mind with one clear monthly payment. There are no hidden costs or unexpected year-end bills.
Proactive tax efficiency
We continuously monitor your turnover and advise on the best schemes. This helps you maximise cash flow and avoid HMRC penalties.
Going it alone vs having us in your corner
You can absolutely do your own books. Here's what actually changes when a dedicated accountant takes it off your plate.
Doing it yourself
Accounting software
Pay for FreeAgent yourself — that's £100s a year on top.
Tax savings
Easy to miss allowable expenses, reliefs and allowances.
Your time
Evenings lost to receipts, spreadsheets and HMRC admin.
Knowledge & deadlines
MTD, National Insurance and filing dates — costly to get wrong.
With Workwell
Accounting software
FreeAgent included free, set up and ready to go.
Tax savings
Proactive planning to claim every allowance — often saving more than we cost.
Your time
We handle the books and filing, so you get your evenings back.
Knowledge & deadlines
A named accountant keeps you compliant and filed on time, every time.
The bottom line
Free software, more tax saved and your time back — for just £104.50/mo.
Most clients save more in tax and software than they pay us. Switching takes minutes.
Everything, sorted
VAT Setup and Registration
- Assessing your rolling 12-month taxable turnover
- Handling your voluntary or compulsory HMRC registration
- Advising on the most efficient VAT scheme for you
- Setting up your digital VAT account with HMRC
Quarterly Returns and Filing
- Reviewing your transactions for accuracy every quarter
- Calculating your exact VAT liability or refund
- Submitting returns securely using MTD-compatible software
- Ensuring you meet the 1 month and 7 days deadline
Making Tax Digital Compliance
- Providing free access to FreeAgent software
- Connecting your bank feeds for automated record-keeping
- Maintaining digital records in line with HMRC rules
- Submitting returns directly via HMRC's secure API
Ongoing Support and Deregistration
- Providing unlimited advice from your dedicated accountant
- Advising on what expenses you can legally reclaim
- Managing your VAT deregistration if turnover drops below £88,000
- Helping you transition smoothly between different VAT schemes
“Workwell has administered my company since formation in 2014. I am very happy with the quality of the service that they have provided. Danielle and Ross, in particular, have been excellent in their roles as lead client accountants.”
Limited company client
With Workwell since 2014
Questions, answered
Ready to get VAT returns sorted?
A dedicated accountant, unlimited advice and free software — one simple monthly fee. Set up in minutes.