How HMRC processes VAT Returns — insolvency practitioner bulletin 5 (2022)
Published 31 January 2025
Please help us to help you — VAT Returns (VAT100)
As part of HMRC’s work to improve the customer journey for insolvency practitioners, we have improved the way we process VAT Returns.
We have introduced a new style VAT100 (2021) and a fully automated process which means when we receive a return into HMRC, it is automatically scanned and captured onto our system.
If your record has been migrated to the new IT system, please ensure you are only using the new versions of the VAT100 that are issued to you.
If you need another copy, please contact us, read Insolvency (VAT Notice 700/56).
However, if your record has not been migrated to the new IT system, please continue to use the old versions which have been sent to you.
If you are unsure of the status of your record, please contact us, read Insolvency (VAT Notice 700/56).
We have included images of the old and new form to help you identify the differences.
Read How to fill in and submit your VAT Return (VAT Notice 700/12) for a list of things to consider when submitting online or paper.
Please ensure the boxes are filled in correctly and there are no amendments to the return, as they will not be automatically scanned to the system and could cause delays in processing.
The new VAT100 is built to read numerical values only. If you are submitting a nil return or a nil value in any of the 9 boxes, please ensure you use numerical values only 0.00 and do not write the word ‘nil’ or ‘zero’ for example.
We know you want us to get things done as speedily as possible and we want that too, so to ensure submissions of all VAT forms are received correctly, please post them directly to the appropriate addresses, read Insolvency (VAT Notice 700/56).
If you have any questions about this insolvency bulletin, could you please contact R3 or your representative group who will take them forward with HMRC.
Question and answer
Question. Can I send a cheque with a VAT100 (2021) return?
Answer. Yes, you can send a cheque with the return, but please do not staple the cheque to the return.
Question. I do not have the information needed to complete a pre-insolvency VAT100 (2021) return. What should I do?
Answer. Please call or write to HMRC using the relevant contact details in Insolvency (VAT Notice 700/56) and our teams will be happy to help you. If writing, please make sure you have not attached a blank VAT100.
Question. I have not received a response or my repayment, do I send another VAT100?
Answer. No, please do not send a duplicate VAT 100, this can result in further processing issues.
If you have not received a refund or submitted a query to the relevant team and have not received a response, use the contact emails in the Insolvency (VAT Notice 700/56).