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VAT Return Outsourcing
Services for UK Accountancy Practices
MTD-compliant VAT returns prepared, reconciled and reviewed before each
deadline, covering standard VAT accounting, the Flat Rate Scheme, cash accounting and margin schemes.
VAT Returns
That Reconcile
Before the Deadline
VAT deadlines are recurring. Returns are usually filed quarterly, one calendar month and seven days after each period ends. Late submissions can attract penalty points under HMRC’s points-based system.
Unison Globus prepares VAT returns for UK accountancy practices in Making Tax Digital (MTD)-compatible software, with the VAT control account reconciled and workings attached, so your reviewer can approve rather than investigate.
VAT returns prepared in MTD-compatible software, ready for your approval
VAT control account reconciled before submission
Correct treatment applied for reverse charge, partial exemption and relevant VAT schemes
Filing deadlines tracked across your VAT client list
Looking for professional VAT assistance?
Keep UK VAT returns on track with reliable preparation support, clear fixed pricing and review-ready work.
✓ Fixed price agreed before work starts
✓ Clear scope and agreed turnaround
✓ Support with VAT return preparation and
MTD-compatible software
✓ 10-hour free trial available
Get in Touch!
Our VAT Services - What We Handle for Your Firm
End-to-end VAT compliance. For digital record-keeping and digital links, see Digital Bookkeeping.
VAT Return Preparation
- Quarterly, monthly and annual VAT returns
- Preparation in MTD-compatible software
- Submission through your software once approved
- Nil and repayment returns
Reconciliation & Review
- VAT control account reconciliation to the ledger
- Transaction-level coding review
- Output and input tax verification
- Errors identified and correction routes flagged
Schemes & Special Cases
- Flat Rate Scheme calculations
- Cash accounting and annual accounting
- Margin schemes and retail schemes
- Partial exemption calculations
- Capital Goods Scheme adjustments
Reverse Charge & Cross-Border
- Domestic reverse charge for construction services
- Services from overseas suppliers
- Postponed import VAT accounting
- Goods movements and Windsor Framework VAT treatment
Registration & Administration
- VAT registration applications
- Deregistration where turnover falls
- VAT scheme and accounting period changes
- Option to tax record-keeping support
Deadline & Penalty Management
- Filing calendar across your whole VAT client list
- VAT penalty points tracked per client
- Early warning where a deadline is at risk
- Catch-up support for clients behind on returns
VAT Facts That
Drive the Work
Registration Threshold
VAT registration is generally required when taxable turnover exceeds £90,000, with deregistration available if taxable turnover falls below £88,000.
Filing Deadline
VAT Returns and payments are generally due one calendar month and seven days after the end of the VAT accounting period.
Late Submission Points
Each late return earns one penalty point. A £200 penalty applies when the threshold is reached: 4 points for quarterly filers, 5 for monthly and 2 for annual.
Late Payment Penalties
No penalty if paid within 15 days. After that, 3% penalties apply at days 15 and 30, with daily penalties from day 31 and late payment interest.
How Unison Globus Supports Your VAT Workload
With 20+ years of experience,Unison Globus manages VAT as a tracked, recurring cycle rather than a scramble each quarter.
How We Work with Your Firm
- Dedicated VAT preparers assigned to your client portfolio
- A filing calendar covering each client's VAT stagger
- VAT returns prepared with reconciliations and workings attached
- Queries raised early enough to be resolved before the deadline
- Capacity that scales across all four VAT quarters
Our VAT Return Process
Prepare Records
Ensure bookkeeping is complete and transactions are coded correctly for the period.
Reconcile
Reconcile the VAT control account to the ledger and investigate differences.
Review Treatment
Check reverse charge, zero-rated and exempt items, VAT scheme rules and partial exemption.
Draft Return
Prepare the return using MTD-compatible software, with supporting workings.
Approve & Submit
Send the draft for your review, then submit through the software once approved.
How Our Delivery Model Works
When you partner with Unison Globus, you get a structured delivery model built around consistency, accountability, and data security.
Structured Workflows and Execution
- Defined workflows and checklists for every task
- Standardised processes to ensure consistency across deliverables
- Timelines aligned with each client's VAT accounting periods and filing deadlines
Dedicated Point of Contact
- Single point of contact for communication and coordination
- Direct access to your team during UK hours (GMT/BST)
- Faster resolution of queries and updates
Regular Check-ins and Reporting
- Daily or weekly updates based on your preference
- VAT filing calendar tracked across your client portfolio
- Scheduled review calls ahead of quarterly VAT deadlines
Quality Control and Review Layers
- Multi-level review before final delivery
- Error tracking and continuous improvement
- Outputs aligned with your firm’s standards
Data Security and Compliance
- ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 27701:2019 certified information security processes
- SOC 2 Type II controls and UK GDPR-aligned data processing
- Controlled, role-based access and secure data environments
Flexible and Scalable Team Support
- Scale team size based on workload
- Capacity that scales across all four VAT quarters
- Continuity maintained as capacity changes
Aligned Tools and Working Environment
- Work within Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, FreeAgent and bridging software
- Maintain digital links between software in line with applicable Making Tax Digital for VAT requirements
Hire Dedicated VAT
Staff in India
Add trained VAT preparers who work in your software and align with each client's VAT return stagger.
Flexible Resourcing Models
Full-Time VAT Preparation Support
- 8 hours per day, aligned with your UK working hours
- Integrated into your existing workflows and review procedures
- Suitable for firms with a consistent, year-round VAT Return workload
Part-Time VAT Preparation Support
- Flexible working hours based on your workload
- Suitable for practices that need additional preparation capacity
- Additional support during peak VAT periods, subject to availability
Prepaid Block of Hours
- Minimum purchase of 50 hours at £18.50 per hour
- Payment upfront, with no expiry on purchased hours
- Use your hours as required to manage changing workloads
Not sure which model fits? Start with a 10-hour free trial.
Book 10-Hour Free TrialWho Our Services Are For
Practices with large VAT client bases across all four VAT return staggers
Firms with construction clients affected by the domestic reverse charge
Practices with retail, hospitality or VAT margin scheme clients
Firms needing catch-up support with overdue VAT Returns
Software Landscape
Explore Our Other Services
As your practice grows, your requirements often go beyond this service. Unison Globus supports UK firms across additional areas to ensure continuity and control.
Digital Bookkeeping
Cloud-based, MTD-compliant bookkeeping with bank feeds and digital links.
MTD for Income Tax
Quarterly digital updates and final declarations for sole traders and landlords.
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Full-scope outsourced accounting, from ledgers to management reporting.
Company Tax Returns
CT600 preparation with computations and iXBRL accounts.
Payroll Services
End-to-end PAYE, RTI and auto-enrolment payroll processing.
Looking for something specific?
Explore All ServicesLatest
Blog
Self-Assessment Tax Return Season Is Coming: What UK Taxpayers Should Prepare Now
Reducing VAT Errors Through Real-Time Bookkeeping: A Strategic Guide for UK Accounting Firms
Use outsourcing to retain and nurture difficult clients
Turbo-Charge Your Practice Growth with an Effective Outsourcing Strategy
Making Tax Digital (MTD) UK: Complete Guide for Accounting Firms to Streamline Bookkeeping, VAT, Payroll & Tax
Year-End Bookkeeping Checklist for UK SMEs: Get Your Finances Ready Before the Rush
Self-Assessment Tax Return Season Is Coming: What UK Taxpayers Should Prepare Now
What’s Stopping Your Practice from Growing? How Unison Globus UK Helps Firms Build Capacity with a Modern Outsourced Solution
Key Signs Your Practice Needs to Start Outsourcing
How Outsourced Tax Preparation Supports Accountancy Firms During Peak Filing Season
Use Outsourcing to Deliver Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
Reducing VAT Errors Through Real-Time Bookkeeping: A Strategic Guide for UK Accounting Firms
Use outsourcing to retain and nurture difficult clients
How to outsource VAT services
Unison Globus Guide to Outsourcing Year-end Accounts Services
FAQs
VAT registration is generally required when taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 over a rolling 12-month period, or when you expect it to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days. You can usually apply to deregister when taxable turnover falls below £88,000.
VAT returns and payments are usually due one calendar month and seven days after the end of the VAT accounting period.
Each late return earns one penalty point. A £200 penalty applies when you reach the threshold: 4 points for quarterly filers, 5 for monthly and 2 for annual. Further £200 penalties apply for each subsequent late return while you remain at the threshold.
There is no late payment penalty if VAT is paid within 15 days of the due date. From day 16, a 3% penalty applies to the VAT outstanding at day 15. If VAT remains unpaid after day 30, a further 3% applies to the amount outstanding at day 30, alongside a daily penalty and late payment interest.
Yes, including VAT domestic reverse charge treatment for eligible construction transactions involving CIS-registered contractors and subcontractors.
Yes, including standard method calculations and annual adjustments.
We prepare the return for your review and, subject to your approval, submit it through your VAT software.
Yes, we offer a 10-hour free trial so you can see how our team works before committing.
Make VAT Quarters
Routine Again
Whether you need ongoing VAT capacity, support with complex VAT schemes or help catching up on late returns, Unison Globus keeps your VAT calendar under control.
- Share your VAT client volumes
- Choose the right support model
- Start with a 10-hour free trial
