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Submit a VAT return to HMRC using MTD (Making Tax Digital) in QuickBooks

by Intuit•41• Updated 1 month ago

If you’re VAT-registered in the UK, Making Tax Digital (MTD) requires you to submit your VAT returns to HMRC electronically. QuickBooks Online makes it easy to do this—just follow the steps below to prepare, submit, and manage your VAT returns.

Before you begin

Before submitting your VAT return through MTD in QuickBooks Online, it’s important to check a few things to avoid errors or delays. These steps ensure your setup is correct and that your return can be successfully submitted.

Note: QuickBooks MTD software currently supports Standard, Cash, and Flat Rate schemes. QuickBooks Online Bridging Software supports Standard and Cash schemes. MTD is not supported for businesses whose home currency is not GBP.

Once your VAT settings and MTD setup are complete, you’re ready to submit your VAT return. Use the VAT centre in QuickBooks Online to prepare and send your return directly to HMRC.

  1. Go to Taxes, then select VAT (Take me there).
  2. Select the Returns tab.
  3. Next to the VAT return you need to submit, select Prepare return.
    Tip: Tip: Select the ▼ dropdown arrow and choose VAT error checker to confirm everything is posted correctly.
  4. When ready, select Submit to HMRC.
  5. Tick the I declare the information is true and complete checkbox.
  6. Select Submit to HMRC again. Wait for the confirmation message and do not close the page until you see the receipt confirmation.
  7. Once HMRC accepts the return, select Done.

You’ll receive an email confirmation from HMRC with the details of your submission.

If your VAT return is rejected by HMRC, you can update its status to “filed” in QuickBooks if needed. This is helpful if the submission was handled outside of QuickBooks.

  1. Go to Taxes, then select VAT (Take me there).
  2. Select the Returns tab.
  3. Next to the VAT return, select Resubmit return.
  4. Finally, select Mark as filed.

Important: Once a return is marked as filed, you cannot resubmit it to HMRC through QuickBooks. If you still need to resubmit, contact HMRC directly to do so manually.

After submitting your return, remember to record any VAT payments or refunds in QuickBooks. This keeps your accounts accurate and ensures your books balance correctly at year-end.

  1. Record any VAT payment made to or refund received from HMRC.
  2. Categorise and match the transaction with your bank feed.

What's next?

If you run into problems when submitting your return, don’t worry. QuickBooks can help identify the issue and guide you through resolving it.

This MTD troubleshooting article lists the most common errors and how to fix them.


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If you have questions about your VAT return, or need help fixing an error when submitting to HMRC, let us know. Sign in to QuickBooks and start a discussion with a qualified QuickBooks Online expert in our community.

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