Key facts
- Late payment interest: Bank of England base rate + 2.5%.
- Repayment interest (late refunds): Bank of England base rate − 1% (minimum 0.5%).
- Interest runs from the day after the deadline until payment.
- Interest is separate from penalties — you may be charged both.
Late Payment Interest
If you pay VAT after the deadline, HMRC charges interest at the Bank of England base rate plus 2.5%. Interest runs from the day after the due date until the day you pay.[1]
Repayment Interest
If HMRC is late repaying a VAT refund (more than 30 days after the later of the due date or receipt of your return), they pay you interest at the Bank of England base rate minus 1% (minimum 0.5%).[2]
How Interest Is Calculated
Interest accrues daily on the outstanding amount. It compounds — the longer you wait, the more it costs.
Note: Late payment interest is always higher than repayment interest. HMRC charges more when you owe them than they pay when they owe you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much interest does HMRC charge on late VAT payments?
HMRC charges late payment interest at the Bank of England base rate plus 2.5%. Interest runs from the day after the deadline until the day you pay.
Does HMRC pay interest on late VAT refunds?
Yes. If HMRC is more than 30 days late repaying a VAT refund, they pay repayment interest at the Bank of England base rate minus 1%, with a minimum rate of 0.5%.
Is VAT interest separate from VAT penalties?
Yes. Interest and penalties are separate charges. You may be charged both late payment interest and a penalty for the same overdue VAT bill.
Further Reading
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Sources
- Late payment interest for VAT — GOV.UK
- HMRC interest rates — GOV.UK
- VAT penalties reform — GOV.UK