
Introduction of the HMRC new VAT penalty regime
Introduction of the HMRC new VAT penalty regime
HMRC has released further details of the new penalty regime for income tax self-assessment returns and VAT returns. We have summarised the changes and how they will impact businesses from when the new regime takes effect.
HMRC have confirmed that for VAT periods starting on or after 1 January 2023, new penalties will replace the default surcharge if you submit VAT returns late or pay VAT late. The aim is to simplify the current penalty regime and make the process fair and effective.
Late submissions penalty
The new points-based system will replace the default surcharge, where each delayed return will attract one penalty point.
The points will expire after two years, subject to certain conditions being met. This is particularly favourable for taxpayers who miss the occasional deadline.
If you have a continuous period of non-filing, you will reach a penalty threshold, after which a £200 penalty will be charged. All subsequent late filings will trigger a penalty.
Penalty thresholds
The late submission penalty points threshold will change according to your submission frequency, as illustrated in the table below
Monthly VAT returns | 5 points |
Quarterly VAT returns | 4 points |
Annual VAT returns | 2 points |
Resetting points
Penalty points will not expire automatically like your driving licence. To reset the points, you have to meet the “test of good compliance”, which includes submitting your VAT returns on time and submitting any outstanding returns due in the following manner:
Monthly VAT returns | 6 Months |
Quarterly VAT returns | 12 months |
Annual VAT returns | 24 months |
Late payment penalty
The new system will attract two types of penalties
- Fixed penalties
- Daily penalties
If payments are made up to 15 days late, they will not attract a penalty. The late payment penalty will be charged from day 16 to day 30 at a rate of 2% on the amount outstanding. Any payments due after day 30 will attract an additional 2% penalty of the amount outstanding.
A second daily penalty will incur if the VAT is still outstanding after day 31 up until the day when full payment has been made. This penalty will be at a rate of 4% per annum on the amount outstanding.
Late payment interest
For VAT periods starting on or after January 1, 2023, HMRC will charge late payment interest from the day the payment is overdue until it has been paid in full. Any late payments will attract interest at a rate of 2.5% + the Bank of England base rate. Interest will continue to accrue even if a time-to-pay arrangement has been made with HMRC. Late payments interest will also apply to late submission and late payment penalties if they are paid after 30 days
Repayment interest
For VAT periods starting on or after January 1, 2023, HMRC will repay interest on any overpaid tax or repayments. The repayment interest is calculated from the day after the due date or the date of submission, whichever is later, until the date a repayment is issued. The rate is calculated as the Bank of England base rate minus 1%. The minimum rate will be 0.5%.

Frequently asked questions
Further information on the new penalty regime can be found here. If you want to discuss this further, you can book a free 30-minute consultation here.
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