HMRC are still slow in processing VAT refunds. You should factor this in when closing CVLs, but if there is any doubt that the final VAT refund will be received before the date of the final meeting, you should request on the final VAT 426 that HMRC make the cheque payable to your practice, always assuming that the VAT refund will be used to pay the balance of your remuneration.
If the cheque is received once you have had your release, which will be once the final return has been lodged with the Registrar of Companies unless the creditors have objected to it, then you should not pay those monies into the estate account since you are no longer in office as liquidator and hence cannot operate a liquidation account. The refund should be cleared through a general clients account instead, before being paid to your practice as the balance of fees due.
