E-commerce accountants
Ecommerce VAT accountants: registration, marketplace deemed supply, OSS, import VAT and MTD returns for UK online sellers. Get your VAT position checked.
Short answer
An ecommerce VAT accountant decides what is taxable where: your own sales, marketplace deemed supplies, EU distance sales under One Stop Shop and imports under postponed VAT accounting. Then they file accurate Making Tax Digital returns from the ledger.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
Regulated by
Regulated & AML supervisor
AAT fellow member
Xero Gold PartnerCertified advisor
QuickBooks PartnerCertified ProAdvisor100+ yearsCombined team experienceFully insuredUp to £2m indemnityAn ecommerce VAT accountant decides what is taxable where: your own sales, marketplace deemed supplies, EU distance sales under One Stop Shop and imports under postponed VAT accounting. Then they file accurate Making Tax Digital returns from the ledger.
Registration and the £90,000 threshold
Deemed supply, OSS and imports
Getting returns right, and fixing ones that were not
An ecommerce VAT accountant decides what is taxable where: your own sales, marketplace deemed supplies, EU distance sales under One Stop Shop and imports under postponed VAT accounting. Then they file accurate Making Tax Digital returns from the ledger.
You must register once taxable turnover in any rolling twelve months exceeds £90,000, and within thirty days if you expect to exceed it in the next thirty days alone. Deregistration is possible below £88,000. Voluntary registration can pay where your customers are businesses or your inputs carry significant VAT.
Where a marketplace is treated as making the supply, it accounts for the VAT and your return should not include that output tax. Distance sales to EU consumers can be reported through the One Stop Shop rather than registering in each country. Imports are usually best handled through postponed VAT accounting so the VAT does not sit in your cash flow.
Errors below the reporting threshold can be adjusted on the next return; larger ones need disclosure. The penalty system is points based for late filing, with interest on late payment, so the cheapest position is always the one corrected voluntarily. We review prior returns as part of onboarding.
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the current UK position and current HMRC and Companies House guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own business.
Local help
We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Google reviews
“I've been working with Accotax since January 2024, and their support has grown alongside my business needs. My personal allocated manager, Umer, provides tailored services for both of my companies, adapting as I expand and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and always clear in their communication. Their help with accounts, VAT, payrolls, pensions and compliance gives me real confidence and peace of mind.”
“We worked with a few different accountants before finally settling with Accotax, and we're really glad we did. They take the time to understand how our business works and what our needs are. Anum, who looks after our account on a day-to-day basis, including reconciling invoices and preparing the annual accounts, is amazing, professional, efficient, and follows the processes we have put in place together. Accotax has made our accounting experience much smoother and easier. We see them as a long-term partner as our business continues to grow. I would 100% recommend them.”
“Accotax have been our accountants for many years now. We maintained them because of their professionalism. In the last couple of years I have been working with Imran, who has been very professional and helpful in guiding us through the whole process, explaining and clarifying every aspect of it. Very prompt in responding to questions and patient with us even when we seem to be slow.”
Frequently asked
Rarely for goods sellers, because the limited cost trader rate usually wipes out the benefit. We check rather than assume.
Only if you sell goods or digital services to EU consumers above the relevant thresholds. We scope it before you register.
Yes, through adjustment or voluntary disclosure depending on size. Voluntary disclosure carries lower penalties.
Start with gross orders and reconcile through refunds, marketplace taxes, selling fees, advertising, fulfilment charges, reserves and currency differences to the net bank deposit. The settlement report, not the bank receipt alone, is the accounting source.
Selling, payment, fulfilment and advertising fees should be separated so contribution margin is visible by channel. This helps distinguish high revenue from profitable revenue and supports better pricing, stock and advertising decisions.
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
Included approach
Talk to an accountant
Share your next deadline, accounting problem or growth question. We will reply with a clear next step and quote any technical work before it begins.
Chat with ACCOTAX on WhatsAppPick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
Appointments run Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.
Four London offices
Work with us entirely online, or sit down with your accountant at whichever office suits you. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Office visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming in.
Free, no obligation
Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
Appointments run monday to friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.
