VAT payments by direct debit

[spig]

I set up direct debit payment a few minutes before making my first VAT payment online recently. I was told the DD takes a week or so to be set up before HMRC can take any money.

After entering my VAT figures it said payment would be taken in 3 days. I'm concerned that the payment won't go out as the DD hasn't been set up. I don't want to make a manual payment and the pay twice if they use the DD later in the month.

HMRC haven't responded to emails, and I'm on hold when trying to call. I will try again later in the month if payment doesn't leave my account, but wondered if anyone else has done the same thing. If so, did the payment get taken the later in the month the DD was set up? I'd prefer to get all this sorted out before the xmas break.

Apologies if this is covered elsewhere, forum search isn't working at the moment.

[SueEllen]

HMRC respond to emails by writing a letter which you receive a month later.

So call them up.

[spig]

HMRC respond to emails by writing a letter which you receive a month later.

So call them up.

I suppose I will have too at some point. I gave up after 5 minutes of listening to classical music as it's an 0845 number which costs me money.

[Lumiere]

what is the current email address for VAT questions ?

p.s. email replies is something you can use as proof should it go wrong, in contrast to phone conversations ...

[Lumiere]

I suppose I will have too at some point. I gave up after 5 minutes of listening to classical music as it's an 0845 number which costs me money.

Use 18185.co.uk, 0845s are quite cheap via such services ...

[Maslins]

VAT direct debits are taken 3 days after the normal electronic payment date, which in turn is 7 days after the normal deadline.

In English, that means if your VAT quarter ended 30 October, the DD payment should be taken 10 December (ie tomorrow).

Wait to see if it comes out tomorrow. If it doesn't, and you haven't previously been repeatedely late, then pay by BACs and you won't be penalised.

[spig]

VAT direct debits are taken 3 days after the normal electronic payment date, which in turn is 7 days after the normal deadline.

In English, that means if your VAT quarter ended 30 October, the DD payment should be taken 10 December (ie tomorrow).

Wait to see if it comes out tomorrow. If it doesn't, and you haven't previously been repeatedely late, then pay by BACs and you won't be penalised.

I think I've misunderstood when the payment will be taken. I thought it was 3 days after you've submitted the figures. Period was Aug to 30th Nov. Payment due 7th Jan 2010.

Does this mean the payment won't be taken until 10th Jan 2010?

[Maslins]

I think I've misunderstood when the payment will be taken. I thought it was 3 days after you've submitted the figures. Period was Aug to 30th Nov. Payment due 7th Jan 2010.

Does this mean the payment won't be taken until 10th Jan 2010?

Yes.

[spig]

Yes.

Excellent. Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.