HMRC wants me to file a VAT return from Q4 2019 that I submitted using the pre-MTD system. The figure they want me to approve is not the same though. How do I treat this?

Hello there, @philip17!

Let's review each of your transactions within your return so that you can fix the amount you owe before submitting it to the HMRC.

1. Go to Reports.
2. Scroll down the page to the Manage VAT category of your reports.
3. Select VAT Detail Report.
4. Under Report period, select the last quarter of 2019.
5. Click Run report.

From here, you can either update the VAT Codes used or update each amount of your transaction if necessary.

 In addition, here's an article you can read to learn more: Submit a VAT return in QuickBooks Online. To add, I'd recommend contacting your accountant for additional assistance about how you can fix the amount of your VAT return.

Lastly, I've got you these helpful articles to help manage your VAT and its related tasks: VAT for QuickBook Online.

If there's anything else that I can help you with, let me know in the comments. I'll be happy to help.

Thanks for your helpful reply. As an extension to this question, it seems that I have already filed another quarterly return from last year that is incorrect. Is it possible to correct an already submitted return?

This is a very annoying situation as the notifications I received from HMRC were along the lines of "all you have to do is file these returns we have ALREADY received from you last year - click here."

I did it without really questioning the amount but now I have to correct a mistake that wasn't wrong in my original VAT submission using the now-superceded Government Gateway.

Hi there, philip17. I'm glad to have you in this thread.

I'd like to share some ideas with regards to your concern.

We can no longer unfile the return once it's submitted to HMRC. Since we're unable to do it, correcting the figure of the previous return is not possible too. I can see that you've been receiving a notification from HRMC. At this time, it's best to contact HRMC as they take charge and help you to correct the previous return you've filed.

You can also reach out to your accountant for further assistance. They can also help and give you a different way of doing what works best in this case. 

If you still need a hand, please let me know by commenting below. I'll be around with my colleague to assist you more. I hope you're doing well. Take care!

Hi JonpriL

Following your earlier help I have managed to find the culprit. It seems that one line on my return that I already submitted using the old system before MTD in Q4 2019 was not on the PDF that HMRC asked me to approve and file. Adding it would make the return perfectly match. How can I add a line item to the return as there seems to be no way to do this, only amend existing entries. Note, I've already paid the VAT on this so I don't want to roll this over to the Q1 2020 if possible although that may be my only option.

I appreciate you following the resolution provided by my colleague, @philip17.

Yes, you’re correct. Adding a line item on the return is unavailable at this time. We’ll have to correct the information on the VAT return to resolve the issue.

Performing this procedure requires the gathering of sensitive information to verify your account. Since the security of our customers’ information is our top priority, I recommend contacting our QBO Care Team.

They’ll be able to review all the filed VAT in a secure space and help reverse the ones submitted with errors. Here’s how to get in touch with them:

1. Go to the Help icon at the top to select the Contact Us link.
2. This will open another window where you can enter the issue/topic.
3. Once done, click on the Let’s talk button to view the support information.
4. Select from any of the following: Start a chat or Call us.

You can bookmark the VAT exceptions and reports guide for future reference. It contains a detailed explanation of how the functionality helps in identifying amounts that were changed, deleted, or added.

Reach out to me if you have any other concerns. Please know I’m always ready to answer them for you. Enjoy the rest of the day.