Error Handling
Learn how to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve common VAT return errors in bVAT. This guide covers validation errors, bVAT submission issues, and problems when manually submitting to tax authorities.
Introduction
While bVAT includes comprehensive validation and error checking, you may occasionally encounter errors when generating or submitting VAT returns. This guide helps you understand common errors, their causes, and how to resolve them.
Errors in bVAT are categorized into three main types:
- Validation Errors: Issues with return calculations or data validation
- Submission Errors: Problems when marking returns as submitted in bVAT, or issues when manually submitting to tax authorities (bVAT does not submit directly)
- Data Errors: Issues with VAT entry data or business information
Important: bVAT does not submit returns directly to tax authorities. You must manually submit your return through the official tax authority portal. The bVAT return structure matches the tax authority's reporting structure, making it easy to transfer the data.
Common Error Categories
Calculation mismatch on line items
Cause: Line item calculations don't match expected formulas
Solution:
- Review the specific line item mentioned in the error
- Check that all input values are correct
- Verify that VAT rates are applied correctly
- Ensure manual entries are accurate
- Use the preview to see calculated values
Prevention: Double-check all entries before generating the return
VAT rate calculation error
Cause: VAT amount doesn't match the expected rate calculation
Solution:
- Verify the VAT rate code (STD10 or REDUCED5) is correct
- Check that product total and VAT amount are accurate
- Review the invoice date to ensure correct rate period
- For food items, ensure is_food flag is set correctly
- Recalculate VAT using the VAT calculator if needed
Prevention: Always verify VAT rates match the invoice date and item type
Reverse charge invariant violated
Cause: L6 (Output VAT reverse charge) doesn't equal L16 (Input VAT reverse charge)
Solution:
- Review all reverse charge entries
- Ensure reverse charge amounts match on both input and output sides
- Check that reverse charge entries are properly categorized
- Verify dates are within the same reporting period
- Contact support if reverse charge entries are complex
Prevention: Keep reverse charge entries balanced throughout the period
Missing required fields
Cause: One or more required fields are empty
Solution:
- Check all highlighted fields in red
- Complete business information if missing
- Ensure period dates are selected
- Verify all line items have values (even if zero)
- Check that business TIN is present if VAT registered
Prevention: Complete all required fields before generating the return
Cannot mark as submitted - validation errors present
Cause: Return has unresolved validation errors
Solution:
- Resolve all validation errors first
- Review the validation messages carefully
- Fix errors in order (some may be caused by others)
- Regenerate the return after fixing errors
- Verify all calculations are correct
Prevention: Always resolve validation errors before attempting to mark as submitted
Period already locked
Cause: The period has already been finalized and marked as submitted
Solution:
- Check the returns list to see if period is already locked
- If you need to make changes, contact support
- You may need to file an amended return
- Verify you're working with the correct period
Prevention: Double-check all data before finalizing and marking as submitted
Insufficient permissions
Cause: You don't have the required role to mark returns as submitted
Solution:
- You need Finance, Admin, or Owner role
- Contact your tenant administrator to request access
- Verify your role in the team settings
- Check that you're logged into the correct tenant
Prevention: Ensure you have the appropriate role before attempting submission
Tax authority portal submission issues
Cause: Error when manually submitting to the tax authority portal (bVAT does not submit directly)
Solution:
- Note: bVAT does not submit returns directly to tax authorities - you must submit manually through the official portal
- Check your internet connection when accessing the tax authority portal
- Verify you're using the correct tax authority portal
- Ensure all required fields in the portal are completed with data from your bVAT return
- Verify that bVAT return structure matches the tax authority form (line items correspond directly)
- Check that your tax authority credentials are valid
- Try again after a few minutes if it's a temporary portal issue
- Contact tax authority support if the problem persists
- Keep a record of any error messages from the tax authority portal
Prevention: Review the tax authority portal requirements and ensure your bVAT return data is accurate before submitting manually
VAT entries missing for period
Cause: No VAT entries found for the selected period
Solution:
- Verify the period dates are correct
- Check that VAT entries have dates within the period
- Ensure entries are not deleted or archived
- Review entry dates to ensure they fall within the period
- Create missing entries if needed
Prevention: Regularly review and maintain VAT entries for each period
Incorrect period totals
Cause: Calculated totals don't match expected values
Solution:
- Review all VAT entries for the period
- Check for duplicate entries
- Verify entry dates are correct
- Ensure entries are not in wrong periods
- Recalculate the return after fixing entries
Prevention: Regularly audit VAT entries to ensure accuracy
Date range validation error
Cause: Entry dates fall outside the reporting period
Solution:
- Review entry dates for all VAT entries
- Move entries to correct periods if needed
- Verify period start and end dates are correct
- Check that reporting frequency matches your business setup
- Contact support if period dates seem incorrect
Prevention: Always verify entry dates when creating VAT entries
Business information incomplete
Cause: Required business information is missing or incorrect
Solution:
- Go to Settings > Business to update information
- Complete all required fields (name, TIN, address)
- Verify VAT registration details are correct
- Update business information before generating returns
- Check that business TIN matches your registration
Prevention: Keep business information up to date in settings
Troubleshooting Process
1Identify the Error
Read the error message carefully to understand what went wrong
- Note the specific error message and code
- Identify which section or field is affected
- Check if the error is validation, submission, or data-related
- Look for any error codes or reference numbers
2Review Related Data
Examine the data that caused the error
- Check the specific VAT entries mentioned
- Review line items and calculations
- Verify dates and periods are correct
- Ensure business information is complete
3Check Documentation
Refer to relevant documentation for guidance
- Review Validation Rules documentation
- Check Submission Process guide
- Refer to Generating Returns documentation
- Look for similar issues in troubleshooting sections
4Apply the Solution
Follow the recommended solution steps
- Make the necessary corrections
- Re-validate or regenerate the return
- Test the fix to ensure it resolves the error
- Document what you changed for future reference
5Verify the Fix
Confirm that the error is resolved
- Regenerate the return if needed
- Check that validation passes
- Review the return one more time
- Mark as submitted in bVAT once verified
- Proceed with manual submission to the tax authority portal
Prevention Tips
- Verify all invoice dates are correct
- Double-check VAT rates match the invoice date
- Ensure product totals and VAT amounts are accurate
- Complete all required fields
- Review business information regularly
- Ensure all VAT entries for the period are complete
- Review entries for accuracy
- Check that dates fall within the period
- Verify business information is up to date
- Run validation checks if available
- Resolve all validation errors
- Review the return carefully
- Export a copy for your records
- Verify all calculations are correct
- Check submission deadlines
- Remember: You must manually submit to the tax authority portal (bVAT does not submit directly)
- Ensure you have your bVAT return data ready to enter into the tax authority portal
If you've tried the troubleshooting steps above and still can't resolve the error, here's how to get additional help:
- Check Documentation: Review related documentation articles for more detailed information
- Export Error Details: Export or screenshot the error message for reference
- Contact Support: Reach out to support with the error details and what you've tried
- Check System Status: Verify that bVAT services are operating normally
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