Practical support from a London-based practice
VAT Returns & VAT Accounting Support
VAT work depends on understanding the transactions behind the figures. Delakazzi helps businesses organise relevant records and prepare VAT returns within an agreed scope. We begin with your registration position, accounting arrangements, transaction types and any issues already identified.
Understand how the business trades
Different products, services and transaction arrangements can raise different VAT questions. We ask how sales are made, what supporting documents exist and whether the business has changed. A new activity or unusual transaction should be raised before its treatment is assumed.
Review the records behind the return
Sales and purchase documents, credit notes and relevant adjustments support the return figures. We assess the agreed records and query missing evidence or unclear entries. A payment leaving the bank is not, on its own, proof that VAT can be reclaimed.
Check the digital record process
Making Tax Digital for VAT generally requires specified records to be kept digitally unless an exemption applies. Where multiple products are used, their connections need consideration. We review the record flow relevant to the return; a software migration or wider systems project is separately scoped.
Deal with queries before submission
We explain information needed to complete the return and seek the agreed approval before any included submission. Registration changes, historical errors, international transactions or complex VAT questions may need additional work. We establish that scope before giving a conclusion or taking action.
What information will we need?
Start with a brief description of the organisation, the support required, the relevant period and any deadline. If we can take the matter forward, the records requested may include:
- VAT registration details and accounting scheme information
- prior returns
- sales and purchase invoices
- credit notes
- bookkeeping and bank records
- records supporting adjustments
- relevant import or export documentation
- HMRC correspondence
Do not include confidential records, identity documents, bank information, passwords, detailed allegations or legally privileged material in the public form. We agree a secure method for documents after the relevant acceptance checks.
Important professional boundaries
The written engagement defines what is included.
Preparation, filing, payment and additional advisory work are separate responsibilities. Only the services expressly agreed are included. No tax saving, repayment or particular HMRC outcome is guaranteed.
We establish the records, scope, competence, capacity and deadlines before agreeing an engagement.
Receipt of an enquiry does not mean that Delakazzi has accepted the assignment or agreed to act. Work begins only under written engagement terms.
From first contact to useful work
How we work with you
- 01
Introductory conversation
Tell us the organisation, service, period and deadlines.
- 02
Review requirements
Establish record quality, existing advisers and the work needed.
- 03
Agree responsibilities
Confirm deliverables, fees, records and approvals in writing.
- 04
Prepare & review
Complete the agreed work and explain queries and approval steps.
Your questions
VAT: useful answers
Can you prepare returns if we maintain the bookkeeping?
We can consider that arrangement after reviewing the records and responsibilities. We agree what you will provide, how queries will be resolved and whether any bookkeeping corrections are included.
Can you tell us whether we need to register for VAT?
We can assess a registration question within an agreed assignment using the relevant turnover, activities and other circumstances. The answer should not be assumed from business size alone.
Does a routine VAT service include correcting previous returns?
Not automatically. Tell us about suspected errors or HMRC correspondence so we can assess the required evidence, correction route and separate work involved.
Primary sources
Further guidance
- HMRC: keeping VAT records, invoice evidence and digital links
- HMRC: when VAT registration is required
General information, not advice for a particular organisation. Guidance checked on 6 September 2026; the relevant jurisdiction and reporting period must be confirmed.
A considered next step
Let’s discuss the support you need.
Tell us the service you need, your organisation and any deadline. We will explain the next step and whether an initial review is appropriate.