VAT return deadline calculator
Your VAT Return and your VAT payment are due on the same day for most businesses. Enter the day your VAT period ends and see that day.
A worked example
A VAT period ends on 30 Nov 2025. One calendar month on from the last day of November is the last day of December (31 December). Add 7 days and the return and payment are due on 7 Jan 2026.
A period ending 31 January gives 28 February, plus 7 days: 7 March (also in a leap year, when February has 29 days). A period that ends mid-month, such as 15 March, adds one calendar month and then 7 days.
What this does not cover
It does not work out Annual Accounting interim payments or Payments on Account dates, which depend on HMRC’s schedule for your business. Your VAT online account shows the exact dates and when a payment must clear. It is a date calculator and not tax advice.
Questions people ask
When is my VAT Return due?
Usually one calendar month and 7 days after the end of the VAT accounting period. For a quarter ending 31 December, that is 7 February. This is also the deadline for paying HMRC.
Is the payment date the same as the return date?
Yes, for the standard schemes. gov.uk says the return deadline is also the deadline for paying, and the money must reach HMRC on or before it, even on a weekend or bank holiday.
What if I pay by Direct Debit?
HMRC collects a Direct Debit 3 working days after the payment deadline on your return. You must set the Direct Debit up at least 3 working days before you submit the return.
What about the Annual Accounting Scheme?
With an accounting period of 4 to 12 months, the VAT Return is due 2 months after the period ends. You also make advance payments during the year, on dates HMRC sets, so check gov.uk for those.
And Payments on Account?
The dates are set by HMRC for each business. This tool shows "check gov.uk" for that scheme instead of guessing.
Sources
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