Meter Max

Guides › Guide 9

VAT returns

Most drivers aren't registered for VAT, and Meter Max simply keeps an eye on the limit for you. If you are registered, it works out your VAT return and sends it to HMRC.

Not registered? Meter Max watches the limit

You must register for VAT if your takings in the last 12 months go over £90,000. For drivers this counts the full fares passengers paid, not just what the app paid out to you.

Tap Tax › VAT to see your last 12 months' takings compared with the limit, month by month. If you get close, Meter Max shows a warning on the Home screen with a Details button.

Going over the limit? Speak to HMRC or an accountant about registering. Once HMRC gives you a VAT number, follow the steps below.

Set up VAT in Meter Max

  1. Open the VAT settings

    Tap the gear icon (top right) to open Settings, and scroll to the VAT box.

  2. Fill in your VAT details

    Tick Registered for VAT, then fill in the details from your VAT registration letter:

    • VAT number: the 9 digits HMRC gave you.
    • Registered from: the date on your letter.
    • Return periods: usually every three months.
    • Scheme: Standard, Cash Accounting or Flat Rate. It's on your letter, or ask your accountant.

    Tap Save VAT settings.

Recording takings and expenses with VAT

Once you're registered, extra boxes appear when you add entries:

  • Takings: VAT on the app fee, shown on your app's statement.
  • Expenses: VAT included and VAT treatment. Meter Max fills in 20% for you. Check it against the receipt.
  • Invoices: a VAT amount for each invoice.

Do a VAT return

  1. Open the return

    When a return is due, it appears on the Home screen under Returns to send. Tap Tax › VAT and tap the period under Periods.

  2. Check the nine boxes

    Meter Max fills in the nine boxes HMRC asks for, from your records. The most important is Box 5, which shows either Net VAT to pay HMRC or Net VAT HMRC owes you.

    Scroll down to Entries in this return to see exactly what's included.

  3. Add an adjustment, if needed

    If you need to correct a small error from an earlier return, tap Add adjustment, choose the box, whether it goes up or down, the amount and a reason, then tap Add. Most people won't need this.

  4. Finalise it

    Tap Finalise return and then Finalise. This locks the entries so the figures can't change by accident. If you spot something wrong, tap Reopen.

  5. Submit to HMRC

    Make sure you're connected to HMRC. Tap Submit to HMRC, read the declaration, and tap I agree — submit. Type your authenticator code if asked.

    When HMRC confirms, the return is marked as sent. If you owe VAT, pay HMRC by the due date. Meter Max doesn't take payments.

Filed the return a different way? Tap Record as filed another way and add the date and reference. Want a copy for your records or accountant? Tap Share return.

Flat Rate Scheme

On the Flat Rate Scheme you pay HMRC a fixed percentage of your takings, including VAT, instead of working out VAT on each cost. Meter Max uses the rate for transport businesses, applies the 1% first-year discount if you tick it, and checks the limited cost trader test for each return, telling you if a higher rate applies. The VAT tab also shows advice on whether the Flat Rate Scheme might suit you.

Changing scheme? In Settings › VAT, tap Change scheme from a date, choose the new scheme and date, and tap Save change.