Check if the files are present

1. In Sage 50 Accounts, go to Help then About.
2. Under Program Details, note of the Data Directory.
3. Browse to the folder that contains the Accdata folder in the Data Directory. For example, if your data path is C:\ProgramData\Sage\Accounts\2025\COMPANY.001\ACCDATA, browse to the COMPANY.001 folder.
4. Open the VATRTNS folder and check if the files are present for the relevant VAT Return.

EXAMPLE: The VAT Return for 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025 is in the 2025 folder under the file name, VAT Return 01012025 - 31032025.xml.

• If the files are present, they can be corrupt. Use our Error 'The archive VAT return was created after reconciliation' or the VAT Detailed report is incorrect - UK only article to resolve this
• If the files aren't present, continue to the To restore missing files section 

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Restore missing files

If the files are missing, you can copy them from a previous backup:

1. Go to File then Back up and Back up your data.
2. Go to File then Restore and Restore a backup of your data.
3. Click Help then About. Under Program Details, make a note of the Data Directory.
4. Browse to the folder that contains the Accdata folder in the Data Directory. For example, if your data path is C:\ProgramData\Sage\Accounts\2025\COMPANY.001\ACCDATA, browse to the COMPANY.001 folder.
5. Right-click on the folder VATRTNS then click Copy. Right-click on your desktop then click Paste.
   
   

   CAUTION: Before you paste these files, either Stop the Data Service or lock Remote Data Access if you use it.

6. Go to File then Restore and Restore a backup of your data you took in step 1.
7. On your desktop, right-click on the folder VATRTNS then click Copy.
8. Browse to and right-click on the folder from step 4 then click Paste. If requested to merge folders or replace files, select Yes.