You can only delete a VAT Return when it's a draft (not submitted to HMRC) or when your VAT submission has failed.
Submitted VAT return manually by mistake?
This can happen if you register for Making TAX Digital (MTD) and select Submit to HMRC by other means by mistake.
To resolve this you will need to re-submit the VAT return.
Please follow the steps in our guide: Resubmit a manual VAT return with Making Tax Digital (MTD) >
Delete a draft VAT Return
- From Reporting, select VAT Returns.
- Select Delete
next to the return you want to delete. - When prompted, select Yes.
Reverse VAT journal postings
If you can't delete an already submitted VAT return. Reverse the journal postings instead. The steps below will help you post a journal entry to reverse duplicate VAT journal entries.
- Review the Audit Trail to view your VAT journal postings. Make a note of these.
- Go to Adjustments, Journals and select New Journal.
- Enter the ledger category noted from the Audit Trail in the Reference field.
- Choose the Ledger Account. Enter the debit amount on the first line and the credit amount on the second line.
For example: to reclaim £50 from HMRC, debit £50 to your VAT Liability account. Next, credit £50 to your bank account ledger. - Select Save.