Change of Name or Address by Email
HMRC are publicising the facility to alter certain contact details by email, this means, if you have changed either your name or address, you can advise HMRC by using their email service.
Reporting VAT Errors
If a mistake has been made on a previous VAT return, you may need to inform HMRC or adjust the next return. HMRC has found that many of the mistakes reported to their Error Correction Team could have been corrected by the taxpayer. Due to the current six to eight week delay in processing corrections, HMRC are urging taxpayers to correct the mistake themselves.
Guidance notes have been issued by HMRC on what to do if it is discovered that a mistake has been made. Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk
Paying VAT by Cheque
Below are some interesting points to note about paying VAT by cheque:-
- From 1st April 2010 all VAT registered businesses with a VAT exclusive turnover of £100,000 or more, and all newly registered businesses regardless of their turnover, must submit VAT returns online and pay electronically
- Businesses that do not fall into the above category, can still pay by posting HMRC a cheque but it is worth remembering that from 1st April 2010, all cheque payments sent to HMRC by post are treated as being received by HMRC on the date when cleared funds reach HMRC’s bank account – not the date the cheque is received
With this in mind, please leave sufficient time for the cheque to reach HMRC and clear into HMRC’s bank account. Note: a cheque generally takes three bank working days to clear.
If you are paying by post please ensure your cheque is made payable to “HM Revenue & Customs only” followed by your nine digit VAT registration number and send it with your return using the pre-addressed envelope provided by HMRC and do not fasten the cheque with staples or paper clips.
Alert to Employer CD-ROM Users
HMRC are advising employers who use their Employer CD-ROM to update it now so that they have access to the most recent guidance and calculators. The CD-ROM is to be replaced in February 2011 with a new downloadable application called “Basic PAYE Tools”. Downloading the September update will ensure that employers can take full advantage of this new product. The September update can be downloaded at www.hmrc.gov.uk/employers/cdrom
To register for HMRC’s email alert service which notifies employers when new information is available on their website, please visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye/forms-publications/register.htm
