Correct errors on your VAT returns

Adjustments 

You can make adjustments to correct errors that are:  

  • below the reporting threshold  
  • not deliberate  
  • for an accounting period that ended less than four years ago  

You must report any errors (external link) that do not meet these conditions to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).  

Reporting threshold  

  • You can adjust your next VAT Return if the net value of the errors is £10,000 or less
  • You can also adjust your next VAT Return if your error amount is up to 1% of your box six figure (up to a maximum of £50,000)

You must report the error to HMRC (external link) if it is above the reporting threshold. 

Calculate the net value 

To work out the net value of the errors: 

  • add up the additional tax due to HMRC 
  • subtract the tax you are due 

You must report deliberate errors separately (external link), you cannot include them in this calculation. 

How to make the adjustment 

When you submit your next return, add the net value to box one for tax due to HMRC, or to box four for tax due to you. 

Or you can send form VAT652 (external link) to the VAT Error Correction Team (external link)

You must: 

  • keep details about the inaccuracy, for example the date it was discovered, how it happened, the amount of VAT involved 
  • include the value of the inaccuracy in your VAT account (external link) 

HMRC has detailed guidance on correcting your VAT Return (external link)

Contact the VAT Error Correction Team (external link) if you need help making corrections. 

HMRC may charge you penalties and interest (external link) if an error is due to careless or dishonest behaviour. 

You should tell HMRC about careless errors separately in writing, as well as adjusting your current VAT return. This may lead to a reduction in the penalty.