Following some confusion on the implementation of the simplified arrangements for VAT filing for small traders, Revenue have issued an eBrief advising taxpayers that they can revert to bimonthly VAT filing before the end of the first bi-annual/four month period during the transitional period.

According to the eBrief, it had been Revenue's original intention that traders qualifying for the simplified VAT filing system would advise Revenue before the start of the first period; and for traders who did not do so, to remain within the new system for the first VAT period.

Revenue have now advised that to facilitate those traders who did not contact Revenue in relation to remaining within the bimonthly filing, arrangements have been made to allow them to revert to bi-monthly filing and payment before the end of that first phase. This concession will only apply during the transitional period.

It should be noted that ordinarily, traders should complete one phase of filing and payment under the new arrangements before reverting to a bi-monthly arrangement.

A copy of eBrief No. 55/2007 is reproduced at Section 2.09.