Get faster VAT refunds with InstantVAT

InstantVAT releases your VAT refund the moment HMRC verifies your return, so you get the cash in hours, not weeks. For over 85% of businesses HMRC verification is done within three working days, and you’re paid instantly after that. You keep your working capital moving whilst Adsum do the waiting.

No loans, credit checks, or paperwork, just a 2% (+ VAT) transaction fee automatically taken off the refund.

With InstantVAT, you file as usual. Then, the moment HMRC verifies your refund, the money lands in your account. Here’s the process:

1. File your VAT return
   You or your accountant submit it to HMRC exactly as you do today.
2. HMRC runs its verification checks
   For most businesses this takes less than three working days*.
3. Get paid the moment HMRC verifies the return
   You receive the refund instantly, minus the 2% transaction fee (+ VAT). No credit checks, guarantees, or extra paperwork.
4. HMRC later sends the refund to Adsum
   Because the VAT repayment is redirected to Adsum, your balance is already settled - there’s nothing left for you to do or pay.

*Based on historical data, more than 85 % of refunds clear HMRC’s verification within three working days.

Before Adsum can make your InstantVAT payment, HMRC must verify the refund amount. HMRC runs the following quick checks:

• Quick automated checks: compares your refund against past filings and industry norms, screens for offsets/liabilities, and runs basic data consistency validations.

Deeper reviews (~10% of cases): random or flagged checks where HMRC may ask you for extra info, which can extend the timeline.

Traditional VAT refunds follow HMRC’s full payment process before you see any money, whereas InstantVAT gives you your cash as soon as HMRC verifies your return:

Standard VAT refund:

1. HMRC verifies (1–5 working days)
2. Checks for outstanding tax (1 day)
3. Manual reviews in ~10 % of cases (adds ~30 days)
4. BACS payout (3–5 working days)

InstantVAT refund:

• • You get paid the moment HMRC marks your return “verified” (minus 2% fee)

• Adsum then does the waiting and collects from HMRC later.

A simple transaction fee of 2% (+ VAT) is deducted from your VAT refund, subject to a £5 minimum. No hidden charges, credit checks, or contracts.

• Minimum fee: £5
• Example: For a £5,000 refund, you’ll receive £4,940 instantly.

Any UK VAT-registered business - sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies alike - can sign up immediately. There are no credit checks, guarantees, or minimum turnover requirements.

Connecting your Government Gateway enables Adsum to:

1. Track your submissions in real time: see exactly when HMRC verifies your return so you can be paid instantly.
2. Automatically collect your refund: HMRC’s repayment is redirected to Adsum, so you never have to chase the funds or make separate payments.
3. Ensure security and accuracy: Adsum only accesses verification statuses and payment instructions - your credentials are encrypted, never viewed by humans, and used solely to streamline your refund.

You can create your InstantVAT account anytime - 24/7 - whenever it suits you. A few things to note:

• Account setup is instant: you’ll have access to your dashboard as soon as you complete the account creation.
• HMRC checks run on working days: if you submit your first return outside UK business hours, HMRC’s verification won’t start until the next business day.
• Payment remains instant once verified: the moment HMRC verifies your refund, you get paid - regardless of the day, month or season.

Pro tip: finish your signup at least 24 hours before submitting a return so your Government Gateway can be fully linked to avoid any setup delays.