Clients often ask me how long it will take for their VAT repayment to be credited to their bank account and my answer has been

It varies but it usually takes about ten days

This has up to now been based on experience but today I received an e-mail from HMRC with the title Treatment of VAT repayment returns and VAT repayment supplement.

Hidden away in the Code of Practice is the statement that we can expect HMRC to authorise payment of at least 90% of correct repayment returns within 10 working days of their receipt in the VAT Central Unit.

So having read the leaflet from cover to cover my answer will remain “It varies but it usually takes about ten days” but at least it’s now based on fact (I think!).