Why won't QBO let me unfile a gst return even after the payment has been deleted?

Hi there, @Numbers Team. Let me share with you some information about unfiling GST returns in QuickBooks.

The system allows you to unfile your GST or sales tax return using QuickBooks Online Accountant (QBOA). If you have a regular QBO account, then this can be the reason why you can't unfile the return.

Here's how:

1. Sign in to QuickBooks, then click on Sales Tax from the Taxes tab.
2. Select the Returns tab.
3. Locate the sales tax filing that you'd like to un-file.
4. Under the Action column, open the drop-down menu to view options.
5. Select Undo filing.
6. A window will appear asking Are you sure you want to go back? Review the information displayed and click Undo filing.
7. A notification will appear next to your open filing, highlighting the date that the return was reopened.

You may also review this link as your guide: How do I un-file a sales tax return?.

If you don't have a QBOA account, you may consider inviting an accountant to unfile your return for you. Here's how: Invite an accountant to review your accounting in QuickBooks Online.

When you're ready to submit your return again, check out this article as your reference: File sales tax.

If you have any other questions about unfiling GST returns, let me know by adding a comment below. I'm always here to help. Have a good one!

I have QuickBooks accountant and it will not let me undo a filing.  It is telling me to reverse the payment first and there hasn't been a payment recorded for this report.

I had the same problem.

I went to support you was able to un-file the GST return, but when I asked them why this was happening

all they could say was that it was an internal error.  UNIMPRESSED !!!

And they are only available Monday to Friday! Not on the weekend when I do most of my work.

I am still having the same issue in the private window. @Angelyn_T 

Hi civicaccounting,

Thanks for reaching out here.  It's essential that you're confident with QuickBooks and the Sales Tax feature when situations like this arise.  Having the option to un-file sales tax can be done seamlessly and I'll e happy to provide some additional insight here!

I see that Angelyn_T has given valuable information for un-filing a sales tax return.  I'd just like to add that it's important to print the exception report prior to un-filing as these will become regular transactions for the period in which they've been filed.  In addition, you can only un-file the most recent filing.  You'll need to follow this process in reverse to reach the designated filing period and then repeat the filing process in sequence.  If you get an error that the books have been closed, you'll need to temporarily re-open the books.  Here's how:

1. Click on the Gear in the top right and open Account and settings

2. Select Advanced from the left menu

3. Click on the Edit ✎to the right of the Accounting section

4. Move the Toggle to off, beside Close the books

Note:  Remember to turn this feature back on after you've successfully unfiled the sales tax.

Feel free to reach back out with any other questions, or let us know if this has been resolved.  Your success is important and we're always pleased to help!

I am using QBO accountant but I don't have the undo option in the dropdown.  As administrator in our account I should have this option should I not?

Hi there Charlie_17,

It's important that all your transactions be entered correctly for your tax totals to be accurate. QuickBooks Online is a great tool able to help you keep track of tax on transactions so you know the amount to file. I can provide some information about unfiling taxes.

Not all admin-level users have the ability to unfile taxes, only those added as an accountant firm. If you've added as an accountant, and you don't have the ability to unfile the taxes, I recommend reaching out to the QuickBooks Online support team outside of the Community. They'll be able to view your account in a secure setting in order to see why you don't have access to file the taxes and assist you in removing that filing. You can reach them using these methods:

Schedule a Callback or start a Chat: click (?)Help in the upper right > type and enter "Contact support" into the QB Assistant > click Contact Us > explain your situation > click Let's Talk > choose Get a callback or Start a Chat.
Social Media: Facebook and Twitter

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out here.