Reports & Analytics

Analytics Dashboard

Understand your VAT data with the analytics dashboard. View key metrics, trends, and insights to make informed business decisions and ensure compliance.

10 min read

Introduction

The Analytics Dashboard in bVAT provides a comprehensive overview of your VAT data and business metrics. It's the first screen you see when logging in, giving you immediate insights into your VAT position, trends, and key performance indicators.

The dashboard helps you:

  • Monitor your VAT position at a glance
  • Track trends and changes over time
  • Identify potential issues early
  • Make informed business decisions
  • Ensure compliance with filing requirements

Dashboard Components

KPI Cards
Key performance indicators at a glance

VAT Due

Net VAT amount payable or credit for the current period

Calculation: Output VAT - Input VAT

Invoice Count

Total number of invoices/entries in the current period

Calculation: Input VAT entries + Output VAT entries

Last Submission

Date of the most recent VAT return submission

Calculation: Most recent period lock date

Next Return Due

Date when the next VAT return is due

Calculation: Based on reporting frequency and last submission
Period Summary
Overview of current and previous period totals

Current Period Totals

Input VAT, Output VAT, and Net VAT for the current period

Calculation: Sum of all entries in the current period

Previous Period Totals

Comparison totals from the previous period

Calculation: Sum of all entries in the previous period

Trend Indicators

Shows increase or decrease compared to previous period

Calculation: Percentage change from previous period
Usage Statistics
Track your plan usage and limits

VAT Entries

Number of VAT entries used vs. plan limit

Calculation: Current month entry count / Plan limit

Reports Generated

Number of reports generated vs. plan limit

Calculation: Current month report count / Plan limit

Exports

Number of data exports vs. plan limit

Calculation: Current month export count / Plan limit
Trend Analysis
Visual representation of VAT trends over time

Input VAT Trends

Chart showing input VAT amounts over multiple periods

Calculation: Monthly or quarterly totals

Output VAT Trends

Chart showing output VAT amounts over multiple periods

Calculation: Monthly or quarterly totals

Net VAT Trends

Chart showing net VAT (payable/credit) over time

Calculation: Output VAT - Input VAT per period

Understanding Key Metrics

VAT Due

Explanation:

This is the net amount you owe to (or are owed by) tax authorities. A positive amount means you owe VAT, while a negative amount (credit) means you have overpaid and may be due a refund.

How to Use:

Monitor this closely as it directly impacts your cash flow and tax obligations.

Period Trends

Explanation:

Trends show how your VAT amounts change from period to period. Upward trends in output VAT may indicate business growth, while increasing input VAT might suggest higher expenses.

How to Use:

Use trends to identify patterns, seasonal variations, and business growth indicators.

Usage Statistics

Explanation:

These show how much of your plan limits you've used. Approaching limits may indicate you need to upgrade your plan or optimize your usage.

How to Use:

Keep usage below 80% to avoid hitting limits. Consider upgrading if consistently near limits.

Submission Status

Explanation:

Tracks when returns were last submitted and when the next one is due. This helps ensure compliance with filing deadlines.

How to Use:

Set reminders well before due dates to ensure timely submission.

Tips & Best Practices

Dashboard Navigation
  • The dashboard is your first view when logging into bVAT
  • KPI cards provide quick overview of key metrics
  • Click on cards or sections to drill down into details
  • Use period selectors to view different time periods
  • Refresh data manually if needed using the refresh button
Data Interpretation
  • Compare current period to previous period for context
  • Look for trends over multiple periods, not just single period changes
  • Consider seasonal variations in your business
  • Review trends in conjunction with business activities
  • Use the data to identify areas needing attention
Actionable Insights
  • High VAT due may indicate need for better expense tracking
  • Increasing input VAT trends may suggest business growth
  • Usage approaching limits signals need for plan review
  • Missing submissions require immediate attention
  • Regular dashboard review helps catch issues early

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my VAT Due show a different amount than expected?

VAT Due is calculated as Output VAT minus Input VAT for the current period. Ensure all entries for the period are included. Check that entries are not in wrong periods. Review manual adjustments if any were made.

How often is the dashboard updated?

The dashboard updates in real-time as you add or modify VAT entries. Data is calculated based on current entries in the database. Refresh the page if you don't see recent changes.

Can I export dashboard data?

Yes, you can export period summaries and detailed data. Use the Export options in the Reports section to download data in CSV, PDF, or Excel formats.

What if my trends show unexpected changes?

Review the entries for the periods in question. Check for data entry errors, missing entries, or entries in wrong periods. Compare with your business records to verify accuracy.

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