Get Your VAT Returned As Quickly As Possible The VAT return is a complicated process. You have to calculate the amount of tax you owe, and then file a return every quarter with HMRC. But what happens when you get your numbers wrong? If you file your quarterly return but accidentally overpay, HMRC will hold onto that money until the next quarter's due date. That could be as much as 3 months if you're unlucky! In this article we will discuss how to get your VAT returned as quickly as possible. The first thing that you need to know is what are the conditions that would allow you to get a VAT return and when can you request one.