VAT return deadline calculator
Enter a VAT period end and get the return and payment deadline for that period and the next three. No sign-up, and nothing is stored.
The last day of the VAT period, as shown on the VAT certificate or in the VAT online account.
Quarterly steps forward three months at a time; monthly, one.
Return and payment deadlines
Return filed and paid by
7 Dec 2026
One calendar month and 7 days after the period end.
Return filed and paid by
7 Mar 2027
One calendar month and 7 days after the period end.
Return filed and paid by
7 Jun 2027
One calendar month and 7 days after the period end.
Return filed and paid by
7 Sept 2027
One calendar month and 7 days after the period end.
The deadline does not move for a weekend or bank holiday: GOV.UK says the return and the payment must reach HMRC on or before it either way. It is also different on the annual accounting scheme and for businesses that make payments on account, so check the VAT certificate before relying on these dates.
Tracking VAT for a book of clients?
FilingKeeper works out each client's VAT dates from their own stagger, alongside accounts, CT600 and payroll, and reminds you 30, 14, 7 and 1 days before each one.
How the VAT deadline is worked out
GOV.UK puts it in one sentence: the deadline for submitting the return online is usually one calendar month and 7 days after the end of an accounting period, and the payment is due on the same date. A quarter ending 31 March is therefore filed and paid by 7 May.
Two things catch practices out. The deadline does not move for a weekend or bank holiday, because HMRC still expects the money on or before it, and the rule is different on the annual accounting scheme and for businesses making payments on account.
Frequently asked questions
When is a VAT return due?
GOV.UK says the deadline for submitting the return online is usually one calendar month and 7 days after the end of the accounting period. The payment deadline is the same date.
Does the VAT deadline move if it falls on a weekend?
No. GOV.UK says the return and the payment must reach HMRC on or before the deadline even if it falls on a weekend or bank holiday, so a payment needs to leave earlier.
Which VAT periods does a business file?
Most VAT-registered businesses file quarterly, on the stagger HMRC assigned them, and some file monthly. The period end dates are shown on the VAT certificate and in the VAT online account.
Is the deadline different on the annual accounting scheme?
Yes. The annual accounting scheme and payments on account both work differently from the standard one calendar month and 7 days rule, so check the HMRC guidance for those businesses.
Do VAT returns have to be filed with software?
Yes. Under Making Tax Digital, GOV.UK says you must use compatible software to keep VAT records and file VAT returns; spreadsheet users can connect through bridging software.
Source: GOV.UK, “VAT Returns: deadlines”. This tool is general guidance, not tax advice. Confirm each client's position against their VAT certificate and current HMRC guidance.