File your VAT return and record VAT payments in QuickBooks Online

Track your VAT amounts and payment due dates in QuickBooks Online so you can avoid late returns and extra fees. Once it’s time to file, you can use your up-to-date QuickBooks info to fill out your VAT form.

Prerequisites

To get started, track your VAT in QuickBooks Online.

Here’s how to manage VAT payments in QuickBooks Online.

File and pay your VAT

Step 1: Review what you owe

Make sure everything is correct before you file.

Follow this link to complete the steps in product

1. Check which return is due this month, then select Prepare return.
2. Select the appropriate option from the Filing period ▼ dropdown.
3. Update the date in the End date field.
4. If you need to add an adjustment for things like credits, discounts, or corrections, select Adjust for the item in the list that you want to add as an adjustment. Fill up the adjustment details in the form, and select Save. The adjusted value gets updated in your return.
5. Take note of your gross sales, taxable sales, VAT due, and adjustment amount (if you added one). You’ll need these numbers later when you fill out your VAT return form.
6. After you have done with updating the details in the returns, select Mark as filed.
7. Select Continue.

Note: If you need a detailed look at what you owe, run your VAT Liability report for the same VAT period. This is helpful if you want to review your taxable and nontaxable invoices, receipts, and other transactions.

Step 2: File your return with the right tax agency

After you review your VAT, you have two options to file your tax return: e-file your return on your tax agency’s website, or file by mail.

E-file your VAT return

You can't e-file right in QuickBooks. File directly with your tax agency online, and then enter your VAT payment in QuickBooks to keep your VAT info current.

1. Go to your tax agency’s website to file your return online.
   • If you haven’t already, you might have to sign up for your state’s e-filing service.
2. Fill out and complete your VAT return form.
   • Refer to the gross sales, taxable sales, and VAT due amounts you took note of in Step 1.

Mail your VAT return

Most states encourage businesses to e-file. If you can’t file online, check your tax agency’s website for more info on how to mail your return.

Correct a VAT return

QuickBooks Online doesn't support amended VAT reporting. If you need to correct a filing, contact your tax agency.

Step 3: Record your VAT payment in QuickBooks

After you file your VAT return, record your payments in QuickBooks to zero out your VAT payable. This keeps your VAT info in QuickBooks up to date.

Here's how to manually record your VAT payment or refund.

1. Find the return you just filed, then select Record payment.
2. Under Payment type, select Payment.
3. Add these payment details:
   • Bank account
   • Payment date
   • Payment amount
   • Memo (optional)
4. Select Save.

You can see your payment details under the Payments tab.

Next steps

• If you filed online: Go to your tax agency's website to check your return’s filing status.
• If you filed by mail: Contact your tax agency directly to get an update on your return.

Related links

• Manage VAT payments
• Check how much VAT you owe