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

by Intuit•116• Updated about 8 hours 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.

Tip: Due a VAT refund? You can use InstantVAT by Adsum to receive your repayment in as little as 24 hours after HMRC verification. This optional service has no credit impact and is designed to save you the 47-day average wait for HMRC funds. Check for InstantVAT offers in QuickBooks now.

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. Follow this link to complete the steps in product Open this link in a new window
  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. Follow this link to complete the steps in product Open this link in a new window
  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.
Tip Due a VAT refund? Did you know, with InstantVAT by our partner Adsum you can receive your repayment in as little as 24 hours - saving you several weeks of waiting for your repayments each year. Sign up today.

What's next?

If you encounter an error while submitting your return, QuickBooks is designed to help you diagnose and resolve the issue quickly. Check our MTD troubleshooting article for a list of common errors and step-by-step solutions.

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