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How InstantVAT works

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Sign up for an Adsum account

It takes less than 4 minutes. Let us know where you want your VAT refund sent and connect your HMRC account.

Start now
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Submit your VAT return as normal

After your account has been set up, you or your accountant submits your VAT return the same way you normally do. It’s business as usual.

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Receive your VAT refund faster

Thats it. Your InstantVAT Refund will land in your bank account as soon as HMRC verifies your VAT return. Guaranteed to be at least 3 business days faster.

Over £80M in VAT refunds processed for our customers

InstantVAT as offered by Xero to their customers

Our customers save on average 47 days per year with InstantVAT

InstantVAT as offered by QuickBooks to their customers

Join over 2000 UK businesses using InstantVAT every month

InstantVAT as offered by Tide to their customers

FAQs

What is HMRCs standard process to pay my VAT refund?

After you submit your VAT return, HMRC follows a standard process to verify and pay your VAT refund. The process includes the following stages.

  1. Verification of your submission amount: HMRC verifies that the return you submitted is accurate. For the majority of businesses, this takes between 1 and 5 business days.
  2. Interdepartmental checks: HMRC checks if any liabilities are due on your tax account – whether that is VAT, PAYE or Corporation Tax. In some cases, HMRC will set off VAT repayments against overdue liabilities. This takes about 1 business day.
  3. Payment processing: HMRC releases the repayment via the BACS system. This takes between 3 and 5 business days to reach your bank account.

How does Adsum’s process differ from HMRC?

Adsum streamlines the process to get your VAT repayment to you faster. Here’s how it works:

  1. Instant release after verification: Adsum releases your payment immediately after step 1, the verification of your submission amount.
  2. Additional steps fast tracked: Our system monitors when your return has been verified and fast tracks the subsequent steps to deliver your VAT refund as soon as possible.

This means you receive your cash in as little as 24 hours from submission, and always at least 3 business days faster than HMRC’s standard process.

What if HMRC are taking longer than usual to verify my VAT refund?

Although most of our users get their VAT returns verified within a week, HMRC may take longer to process in some cases. This may be due to:

  1. A larger than usual refund has been submitted
  2. A late submission
  3. It being your first VAT refund
  4. Random HMRC compliance checks

Adsum provides constant updates on your verification status through our InstantVAT dashboard. If there are delays, we offer a range of services to expedite the process, including:

  1. Calling HMRC for status updates
  2. Submitting formal escalation requests on your case
  3. Filing late repayment complaints
  4. Providing comprehensive HMRC compliance services

With Adsum, you can stay informed and take action to speed up the verification process if necessary.

Why do I need to link my HMRC account?

Linking your HMRC account with our system allows us to monitor your VAT submissions continuously so that we can release your funds as soon as HMRC verifies the return. When you sign up, Adsum will change the VAT repayment bank account for your HMRC account. This allows us to provide you with InstantVAT and then collect the refund directly from HMRC, ensuring a smooth and efficient payment process.

By linking your HMRC account, you ensure timely VAT refunds and faster access to your cash.