Pay your VAT bill
Direct Debit
Use your VAT online account to set up a Direct Debit.
Set up the Direct Debit at least 3 working days before you submit your VAT return, otherwise the payment will not be taken from your bank account.
Once you’ve set up the Direct Debit and submitted your return, payments will be collected automatically from your bank account 3 working days after the payment deadline on your VAT return.
If you file your VAT return late, your payment will be taken 3 days after you file your return.
If you’ve not used your Direct Debit for 2 years or more, check with your bank that it is still set up.
You cannot pay by Direct Debit if you have a ‘payments on account’ arrangement.
Reference number
You’ll need your 9-digit VAT registration number to make a payment.
Find your registration number:
- in your VAT online account
- on your VAT registration certificate
Do not put any spaces between the digits when paying your VAT bill.
If you need to pay a VAT surcharge or penalty
You’ll need to use your 14-character reference number starting with X when you pay.
You’ll find this on the letter HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) sent you about your surcharge or penalty.
Getting VAT repayments
The bank account details you use to set up your Direct Debit will not be used for VAT repayments.
To get VAT repayments paid into your bank account, update the registration details in your VAT online account. Otherwise HMRC will send you a cheque.