UK VAT Return Helper

Fill in your 9-box VAT return with confidence. Each box explained in plain English, with automatic calculations and common error checks. Submit via HMRC's Making Tax Digital (MTD) portal.

UK VAT Return — All 9 Boxes

Enter your figures below. Box 3 and Box 5 are calculated automatically.

Box 1

VAT due on sales and other outputs

Your total output tax. Check your sales invoices and add up all VAT charged.

What goes in Box 1?

The total VAT you charged on your sales and any other output tax. Include VAT on reverse charge services you received from abroad.

Box 2

VAT due on acquisitions from EC member states

Usually £0.00 for most UK businesses after Brexit. Only complete if applicable.

What goes in Box 2?

VAT due on goods and related services acquired from EU member states (post-Brexit: generally £0 for most UK businesses unless applicable).

Box 3

Total VAT due (Box 1 + Box 2)

Auto-calculated: Box 1 + Box 2

£0.00

What goes in Box 3?

This is calculated automatically as Box 1 + Box 2.

Box 4

VAT reclaimed on purchases and other inputs

Total input tax. Add up VAT on all valid purchase invoices and expenses.

What goes in Box 4?

The total VAT you can reclaim on business purchases, expenses, and imports. Must be supported by valid VAT invoices. Cannot reclaim on blocked items (cars, client entertainment).

Box 5

Net VAT to pay/reclaim (Box 3 − Box 4)

Auto-calculated: Box 3 − Box 4. Positive = pay HMRC. Negative = reclaim.

£0.00

What goes in Box 5?

If positive, this is what you owe HMRC. If negative, HMRC owes you a refund.

Box 6

Total value of sales and other outputs (excl. VAT)

All sales net of VAT. Includes standard rated, zero-rated, and exempt sales.

What goes in Box 6?

The total value of all your sales excluding VAT — including zero-rated, exempt, and out-of-scope supplies. Do not include supplies outside the scope of VAT.

Box 7

Total value of purchases and other inputs (excl. VAT)

All purchases net of VAT. Includes standard rated, zero-rated, and exempt purchases.

What goes in Box 7?

The total of all your purchases and expenses excluding VAT. Include all business costs.

Box 8

Total value of EC supplies of goods and related costs

Usually £0.00 after Brexit for most businesses. Relevant for Northern Ireland businesses.

What goes in Box 8?

The total net value of goods supplied to EU businesses (post-Brexit: generally £0 unless you make supplies to Northern Ireland).

Box 9

Total value of EC acquisitions of goods and related costs

Usually £0.00 after Brexit for most businesses.

What goes in Box 9?

The total net value of goods acquired from EU member states (post-Brexit: generally £0 for most GB businesses).

⚠️ This tool provides guidance only and does not constitute filing a VAT return. Always submit your actual VAT return via HMRC's MTD-compatible software.

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