Answer

I need cash before a VAT deadline — what are my options?

If a VAT bill is due and cash is short, act early: arrange a Time to Pay with HMRC or use short-term finance to cover it and avoid surcharges.

2 min read

Act earlyBefore the deadline
Time to PayHMRC arrangement
Or financeBridge the bill

Your two main routes

Contact HMRC promptly about a Time to Pay arrangement, or arrange a short facility to cover the bill and repay as customers pay you. Both keep you compliant; ignoring it triggers surcharges. See understanding your VAT bill.

Prevent the next one

The lasting fix is to ring-fence VAT as it comes in. Read how to set money aside for VAT and tax and use the VAT calculator.

What it means for you

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally, and takes no personal guarantee. See business loans or apply online.

Frequently asked questions

What if I can't pay VAT on time?

Contact HMRC early about Time to Pay, and consider short-term finance. Acting before the deadline avoids surcharges and interest, which build quickly on unpaid VAT.

Is it sensible to borrow to pay VAT?

Yes, when it bridges a timing gap and is repaid as you collect from customers. The money is yours to collect, just not yet — that is exactly what short-term finance is for.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.