Crooks Books

VAT returns for businesses in Manchester

We prepare and submit your VAT returns correctly and on time. We explain everything in plain English, charge a fixed fee and look for every saving the rules allow.

Book a free chat Call 0800 304050

Who our VAT service is for

VAT is one of those jobs that never goes away. Every quarter there's another return, another deadline and another chance to get something wrong.

Once your business is VAT registered, you have to keep proper records, work out what you owe or can reclaim, and send a return to HMRC on time. Most returns are now filed digitally under Making Tax Digital, so your records need to be kept in software that can talk to HMRC.

We help sole traders, partnerships and limited companies in Manchester who would rather spend their time running the business than reading VAT guidance. You might be close to the registration threshold and unsure what to do next. You might already be registered and finding the paperwork a drain. Either way, we can take it off your hands.

Why it pays to get VAT right

VAT mistakes cost money in two ways. Pay too little, or file late, and HMRC can charge penalties and interest. Pay too much, perhaps by missing VAT you could have reclaimed on purchases, and the money simply leaves your business.

We've worked with HMRC's rules for 20 years. We check that you're on the scheme that suits you best, whether that's standard accounting, cash accounting or the flat rate scheme, and that you reclaim everything you're entitled to.

A quick note on the schemes

Standard VAT accounting works from your invoice dates. Cash accounting works from when money actually changes hands, which can help your cash flow. The flat rate scheme lets smaller businesses pay a fixed percentage of turnover. The right choice depends on your business, and we'll talk it through with you.

How our VAT returns service works

  1. A free first chat

    We find out how your business works, whether you're registered and what's causing you trouble at the moment.

  2. A fixed fee

    We agree a fixed fee, or include VAT in a monthly package alongside your other work, so you know the cost from the start.

  3. We handle each return

    We check your records, prepare the return, go through it with you and submit it to HMRC before the deadline.

What you get from us

A VAT service from a small, independent team that knows you and your business.

  • Plain English throughout

    We tell you what you owe, what you can reclaim and why, without the jargon.

  • Fixed fees

    One agreed price, or a monthly package. No bills you weren't expecting.

  • Fully qualified accountants

    Twenty years of experience and a thorough understanding of HMRC's VAT rules.

  • An eye on savings

    We look for VAT you can legitimately reclaim and check your scheme still suits you.

Services that work well alongside VAT

Good VAT returns start with tidy records. Many clients combine these into one monthly package.

Bookkeeping

Your books kept tidy every month.

About bookkeeping

Limited company accounts

Year end accounts and corporation tax.

About limited company accounts

Payroll

Payroll and pensions sorted for you.

About payroll

See all our services

VAT returns: your questions answered

When does my business need to register for VAT?

You must register once your VAT taxable turnover over the last 12 months goes above HMRC's threshold, or if you expect it to within the next 30 days. You can also register voluntarily below the threshold, which can make sense if most of your customers are VAT registered. We can help you weigh it up on a free first chat.

How often do VAT returns need to be filed?

Most businesses file every quarter. The deadline is usually one calendar month and seven days after the end of each VAT period, and that's normally when payment is due too. We keep track of your dates so you don't have to.

What is Making Tax Digital for VAT?

It's HMRC's requirement for VAT registered businesses to keep their records digitally and submit returns through compatible software. If you're still using paper or spreadsheets on their own, we can help you get set up properly.

Which VAT scheme is right for me?

It depends on your turnover, your costs and how your customers pay you. Cash accounting can help cash flow, while the flat rate scheme can save time and sometimes money for smaller businesses. We'll look at your figures and explain the options plainly.

Can you help if my VAT returns are behind?

Yes. Get in touch as soon as you can. We'll look at what's outstanding, get your records in order and work through the returns with you. Dealing with it early usually keeps penalties and interest down.

How much does your VAT returns service cost?

We charge a fixed fee, agreed before we start, or you can include VAT returns in a monthly package with your other accounting work. Book a free first chat and we'll give you a clear price.

Hand your VAT returns to us

Book a free first chat. We'll look at where you are with VAT and explain how we can help, all in plain English and for a fixed fee.

Book a free chat Call 0800 304050
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