VAT return taken twice

bowlingo

Hi all,

I have recently gone VAT registered and had to make my first payment for the end of May within the first week of July (think it had to be paid by the 10th)

I have just looked at my bank statement and ive had £2564.79 taken on the 1/7/11 and £2564.79 taken on the 12/7/11

The reason for the duplicate payment was my accountant advised me to make my first payment via the HMRC Santandar payment service then set up a DD with HMRC once the payment has gone through for my next VAT return.

The payment on the 1/7/11 is the Sandandar payment and it would seem they have taken it on the 13/7/11 via DD also...I didnt realise my accountant had already set up a DD with them.

Im very worried about this as the phone lines are now closed and my accountant isnt available.

Has anyone come across this before and if so how hard is it to get back from them?

Thanks
Alex

paddyrg

Very easy to get back - probably easiest will be to underpay next quarter, but check with your accountant/HMRC. You won't suffer the overpayment.

antrobus

I'd have thought it was very easy to get the money back from Santander under the Direct Debit Guarantee. as in "if the originator or the bank/building society makes an error, the customer is guaranteed a full and immediate refund of the amount paid".

bengalknights

This being HMRC i would say underpay the next vat return with the explanation that your overpaid this months.

bowlingo

phoned them today and they said I will get it back within 15 working days..thanks for your help all