In March 2020 the government announced an immediate deferral of VAT payments falling due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. All organisations were able to automatically defer the VAT payments due to be made between these dates until 31 March 2021. 

The latest goverment financial announcement introduced a New Payment Scheme, whereby deferred VAT payment amounts can be made in instalments, rather than as a single lump sum falling due on 31 March 2021. The details released so far by HMRC say that the amount owing can be split across 11 months, and no interest will be charged on the deferral. All organisations are eligible for this deferral and will need to opt-in using HMRC’s opt-in system, which HMRC hope to launch in early 2021. 

It should be noted that the measures do not apply to VAT payments falling due from 1 July 2020 onwards. If organisations have difficulties in making these VAT payments, they should be able to agree a “time to pay” arrangement with HMRC can support you in applying for this.