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Effective date of VAT payments by cheque

The introduction of online filing and electronic payment of tax returns and payments which, for VAT, is scheduled to be phased in from 2010 means HMRC will also realign the effective date for acceptance of payments received by cheque. New regulations will be issued in draft in the Finance Act 2007 and will be subject to consultation. The proposal is that the payments received by cheque will only be effective (i.e. recognised) from the date the funds are cleared into HMRC’s account.
 

Our view
This measure is among a number proposed by the recent Lord Carter review on electronic filing. It is intended to encourage electronic filing of both tax returns and accompanying payments. At present the receipt of returns and payment is deemed to be the date of receipt by HMRC. The new rules will improve cash flow for HMRC but, implemented effectively, should also make filing simpler for businesses submitting online.