Create and submit a VAT return

If you’re registered for VAT, you must submit a VAT return to HMRC even if you have no VAT to pay or reclaim.

Use your online HMRC account to find out when your VAT returns are due. The submission frequency is either monthly, quarterly, or annually. 

 NOTE: Once you submit a VAT return, you can't make any changes. If adjustments are necessary, you must include them in the next VAT return.

Before you start

If this is your first time submitting in Accounting, make sure you Set up VAT in Accounting and Connect Accounting to HMRC.

The following things can prevent you from creating a VAT return, make sure you:

• Submit or delete outstanding draft VAT returns
• Resubmit any failed VAT returns

Create your VAT return

1. From Reporting, select VAT Returns.
2. Select Create VAT Return.
   We automatically check for the next VAT period and set the date on the return for you.
    TIP: If you can change the dates, this means you haven't connected Accounting to HMRC. Do this before submitting your VAT return, unless you're exempt from Making Tax Digital (MTD).
3. Select Calculate.

If prompted with transactions before the current VAT period, select View Previous Transactions.

Decide how to handle these transactions on your VAT return:

• Now: Include them on this return
• Later: Wait to decide, we'll prompt you again on your next return
• Never: Exclude them from all future returns if you've already submitted them to HMRC through another system

If you're not ready to submit the VAT return, choose Save this return and submit it later. This saves the return as a Draft and displays it on the VAT Return List. We flag all transactions as included on a VAT Return to prevent editing or deletion.

Otherwise, you can now print, submit or generate a detailed report for your return. 

• Recording VAT payments and refunds
• Set up VAT