HMRC has announced that from 1 April 2010 all cheque payments by post will be treated as being received on the date when cleared funds reach HMRC's bank account. The change is part of a move by HMRC to encourage taxpayers to make VAT payments electronically.

As a cheque can take three bank working days to clear (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays) taxpayers must ensure that they allow enough time for the payment to reach HMRC. If the cheque payment does not clear by the due date shown on the VAT return, a surcharge for late payment may arise.

HMRC have confirmed that the above does not affect any cheque payments made by Bank Giro.

More information about paying VAT can be accessed at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/payinghmrc/vat.htm