Postponed VAT accounting is not automatic. It has to be selected on each import declaration and cannot be changed once the declaration is submitted. Your VAT registration number goes in data element 3/40, so make sure your customs agent knows you want to use it.
HMRC publishes a postponed import VAT statement each month in the Customs Declaration Service, usually by the 10th working day. Each statement can be accessed for six months from publication, so download and keep a copy every month.
On the VAT return, enter the postponed import VAT from the statement in box 1 and the amount you can reclaim in box 4. Box 7 includes the total value of imports, excluding VAT. If a declaration was delayed and there is no statement yet, HMRC says to estimate the figures.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Check when you can account for import VAT on your VAT Return (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Get your postponed import VAT statement (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Complete your VAT Return to account for import VAT (opens in a new tab)
A summary of the public sources above, checked when it was published. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.