Changes to VAT penalties and interest from 1 January 2023

On 1 January 2023 HMRC introduced a new regime of simpler penalties for late submission of VAT returns and paying VAT late.

The new penalties replace the default surcharge and now also apply to customers who submit nil or repayment returns.

Also, the way HMRC calculates interest on late VAT payments and repayments of VAT that HMRC owes to businesses has also changed for VAT periods starting on or after 1 January 2023.