HMRC have launched new VAT return email reminders for both agents and taxpayers.

Once an agent has signed up for the VAT for Agents online service, they can choose to receive an email reminder of the date when a client's VAT Return is due. HMRC will send this about 6 weeks before the return due date.

To set this up, log in to the VAT for Agents online service, then from the ‘Your HMRC services’ page, select the ‘Your Account’ link in the left-hand menu. Under the heading ‘Your contact details’ on the main page, select the ‘Update personal details’ link which appears below this heading. A ‘Your information’ page will follow to which the relevant email address can be added. Following this, the agent will receive an email that includes a confirmation code which should be entered in order to activate reminders.

Once a taxpayer is enrolled for VAT online services, they can then arrange to receive email reminders of the date VAT Returns are due. HMRC strongly recommends this option is selected as otherwise no other reminders will be issued. Again, reminders are issued about 6 weeks before the return date.

The process for taxpayers using HMRC Online services is similar to that outlined above for agents. HMRC will again send a confirmation code by email which should be inputted online.