VAT Returns
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Generating Returns

Learn how to create VAT returns from your data in bVAT. This guide covers generating regular and flat rate returns, understanding return data, and preparing returns for submission.

12 min read

Introduction

Generating VAT returns in bVAT is a streamlined process that automatically calculates your VAT liability based on your Input and Output VAT entries. The system supports two types of returns:

Regular Return
Standard VAT return based on Input and Output VAT entries

Key Features:

  • Automatically calculates from your VAT entries
  • Includes all RET-005 line items
  • Supports standard and reduced VAT rates
  • Handles food and non-food categories
  • Calculates net VAT payable or credit

When to use: Use for standard VAT reporting when you have detailed Input and Output VAT entries

Flat Rate Return
Simplified return using flat rate percentage on turnover

Key Features:

  • Based on total turnover for the period
  • Uses a flat rate percentage
  • Simplified calculation method
  • Fewer line items to complete
  • Faster preparation for eligible businesses

When to use: Use if your business is eligible for flat rate VAT scheme and you prefer simplified reporting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Complete Guide to Generating a Return
Follow these steps to generate your VAT return from start to finish

1Navigate to VAT Returns

  • From the main dashboard, click on "Returns" in the navigation menu
  • Select "Regular Returns" for standard VAT returns
  • Or select "Flat Rate Returns" if using the flat rate scheme
  • You'll see a list of available filing periods

2Select a Filing Period

  • Choose the period you want to generate a return for
  • Periods are displayed in YYYY-MM format (e.g., 2024-01 for January 2024)
  • Available periods depend on your business reporting frequency (Monthly, Quarterly, Annual)
  • The system shows period start date, end date, and due date
  • Locked periods (already submitted) are marked with a lock icon

3Review Period Summary

  • The system automatically loads VAT data for the selected period
  • Review the period summary showing:
  • • Total Input VAT entries and amounts
  • • Total Output VAT entries and amounts
  • • Net VAT calculation
  • • Vendor summaries (for Input VAT)
  • • Entry counts and date ranges
  • Verify that all expected entries are included

4Fill in RET-005 Form

  • The RET-005 form is automatically populated from your VAT entries
  • Review and adjust line items as needed:
  • • L1-L10: Output VAT (Sales/Supplies)
  • • L11-L26: Input VAT (Purchases/Imports)
  • • L27-L31: VAT Liability Calculation
  • You can add manual entries for items not captured in regular VAT entries
  • The form validates calculations and highlights any discrepancies

5Add Manual Entries (If Needed)

  • Click "Add Manual Entry" if you need to include transactions not in your VAT entries
  • Enter the transaction details manually
  • Manual entries are included in the return calculations
  • You can edit or remove manual entries before submitting

6Save Your Return (Optional)

  • Click "Update return" to save the current return to the database without locking the period
  • The button is enabled when you have unsaved changes and the period is not locked
  • You can leave and come back later; your draft is preserved
  • Use this whenever you want to save progress without finalizing

7Preview the Return

  • Click "Preview Return" to see a formatted view of your VAT return
  • Review all line items and calculations
  • Check that totals match your expectations
  • Verify business information is correct
  • The preview shows the return as it will appear when submitted

8Submit & Lock Period

  • When you're ready to finalize, click "Submit & Lock Period"
  • This locks the period and prevents further changes to VAT entries for that period
  • You can still view and export the return after locking
  • After locking, submit the return manually through the tax authority portal
  • Note: bVAT does not submit directly to tax authorities - you must submit manually using the official portal

Important Notes

Data Requirements

Ensure all VAT entries for the period are entered before generating the return. Missing entries will affect the accuracy of your return.

Period Locking

The period is locked only when you click "Submit & Lock Period". Until then, "Update return" saves your draft without locking—you can continue editing and saving. Once locked, you cannot add, edit, or delete VAT entries for that period.

Validation

The system validates your return data and highlights any errors or discrepancies. Review validation messages before submitting and locking the period.

Business Information

Make sure your business information is up to date in Settings > Business, as it appears on the VAT return.

Tips & Best Practices

Before Generating
  • Complete all VAT entries for the period before generating the return
  • Review your entries for accuracy and completeness
  • Ensure business information is current and correct
  • Check that VAT rates are applied correctly to entries
  • Verify date ranges match your reporting period
During Generation
  • Review the period summary carefully before proceeding
  • Use "Update return" to save your draft as you go
  • Check that entry counts match your expectations
  • Verify totals align with your records
  • Use the preview function to review the complete return
  • Add manual entries for any missing transactions
After Generation
  • Export a copy of the return for your records before locking
  • Review the return one more time before clicking "Submit & Lock Period"
  • Keep a backup of all supporting documents
  • Note the submission deadline and plan accordingly
  • Contact support if you notice any discrepancies

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

The return shows incorrect totals

Check that all VAT entries for the period are included. Verify entry dates fall within the period range. Review manual entries if any were added.

I can't see the period I need

Periods are generated based on your business reporting frequency and VAT registration date. Contact support if you need a period that's not showing.

The period is locked and I need to make changes

Locked periods cannot be modified. If you need to make corrections, you may need to file an amended return. Contact support for assistance.

Manual entries aren't showing in calculations

Make sure manual entries are saved before finalizing. Check that entry amounts and dates are correct. Refresh the page if entries don't appear.

Validation errors prevent finalizing

Review the validation messages carefully. Common issues include missing required fields, calculation discrepancies, or date range errors. Fix all errors before clicking "Submit & Lock Period".

"Update return" is disabled

The button is only enabled when there are unsaved changes and the period is not locked. Make a change to a line item or manual entry, then try again. If the period is already locked, you cannot update the return.

Return Generated Successfully!
Now that you've generated your VAT return, here's what you can do next:
  • Review the return carefully using the preview function
  • Use "Update return" to save your draft as you work
  • Export a copy for your records before clicking "Submit & Lock Period"
  • Click "Submit & Lock Period" when you're ready to lock, then submit manually through the tax authority portal

Related Articles

Validation Rules
Understanding VAT return validation
9 min read
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Submission Process
Submit returns to tax authorities
6 min read
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Error Handling
Resolve common submission errors
8 min read
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Next Steps
Continue your VAT return journey with these recommended guides
Understanding Validation Rules

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