VAT Returns

Submission Process

Learn how to finalize your VAT returns in bVAT and submit them to tax authorities. This guide covers finalizing returns, marking them as submitted in bVAT, and manually submitting to the tax authority portal.

6 min read
Important: Manual Submission Required

bVAT does not currently submit returns directly to tax authorities. You must manually submit your return using the official tax authority portal.

  • bVAT's return structure matches the tax authority's reporting structure
  • Enter the information from your bVAT return into the tax authority portal
  • Line items and values correspond directly between bVAT and the tax authority form
  • Direct submission to tax authorities is a planned future feature

Introduction

The submission process in bVAT involves finalizing your return and then manually submitting it to the tax authority through their official portal. The process includes:

  • Finalizing the return in bVAT (which locks the period)
  • Marking the return as submitted in bVAT for your records
  • Manually submitting the return to the tax authority portal
  • Entering bVAT return data into the tax authority form
  • Tracking submission status and maintaining records

Important: Once a return is finalized and marked as submitted in bVAT, the period is permanently locked. Make sure all data is accurate before finalizing, as changes will require filing an amended return. Remember to also submit the return to the tax authority portal separately.

Step-by-Step Submission Process

1
Review and Validate Return

Detailed Steps:

  • Ensure all validation errors are resolved
  • Review all line items and calculations
  • Verify business information is correct
  • Check that all VAT entries for the period are included
  • Use the preview function to review the complete return
  • Export a copy for your records before finalizing

Pro Tips

  • Double-check all amounts before finalizing
  • Keep a backup copy of the return before submission
  • Review the period summary to ensure completeness
2
Finalize the Return

Detailed Steps:

  • Click the "Finalize" button on your return
  • Confirm that you want to finalize (this action locks the period)
  • The system will perform a final validation check
  • Once finalized, the period is locked and entries cannot be modified
  • You'll receive a confirmation that the return has been finalized

Pro Tips

  • Finalizing locks the period - make sure everything is correct
  • You can still view and export finalized returns
  • Contact support if you need to unlock a finalized period
3
Submit the Return

Detailed Steps:

  • After finalizing, click "Submit Return"
  • You must have Finance, Admin, or Owner role to submit
  • The system will lock the period and mark it as submitted
  • A submission record is created with timestamp and user information
  • You'll receive confirmation that the return has been submitted

Pro Tips

  • Submitting locks the period permanently
  • Keep a record of the submission confirmation
  • Note the submission date for your records
4
Track Submission Status

Detailed Steps:

  • Submitted returns are marked with a lock icon
  • You can view submission history in the returns list
  • Submission date and user are recorded
  • Locked periods cannot be modified
  • You can still view and export submitted returns

Pro Tips

  • Check submission deadlines to avoid late filing
  • Keep records of all submitted returns
  • Contact support if you need to file an amended return

Before Submission Checklist

Data Completeness

Ensure all VAT entries for the period are entered and accurate. Missing entries will affect your return calculations.

Validation Status

All validation errors must be resolved. The system will prevent submission if there are unresolved validation issues.

Business Information

Verify that your business information (name, TIN, address) is correct, as it appears on the submitted return.

Review Period

Take time to review the return carefully. Once submitted, the period is locked and cannot be modified.

After Submission

Submission Confirmation

You'll receive immediate confirmation when the return is submitted. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Period Locking

The period is permanently locked after submission. You cannot add, edit, or delete VAT entries for locked periods.

Record Keeping

Export and save a copy of the submitted return from bVAT. Also keep the submission confirmation from the tax authority portal. These serve as your records of what was filed.

Amendments

If you need to make corrections after submission, you may need to file an amended return. Contact support for assistance.

Important Notes
  • Manual Submission Required: bVAT does not submit returns directly to tax authorities. You must submit manually through the tax authority portal. Direct submission is a planned future feature.
  • Return Structure Match: bVAT's return structure matches the tax authority's reporting structure. Line items correspond directly, making it easy to transfer data.
  • Finalizing and marking as submitted in bVAT permanently locks the period. You cannot modify VAT entries for locked periods.
  • Only users with Finance, Admin, or Owner roles can mark returns as submitted in bVAT. Contact your tenant administrator if you need access.
  • Be aware of submission deadlines. Late submissions may result in penalties from tax authorities.
  • Keep records of all submitted returns from both bVAT and the tax authority portal. Export and save copies for your compliance records.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

I can't mark the return as submitted - validation errors

Resolve all validation errors before marking as submitted. Review the validation messages and fix any issues. The system will not allow marking as submitted with unresolved errors.

The submit button is disabled

Make sure you have finalized the return first. You must also have Finance, Admin, or Owner role to mark returns as submitted in bVAT.

How do I submit to the tax authority?

bVAT does not submit directly to tax authorities. Log in to the official tax authority portal and enter the information from your bVAT return. The return structure matches, so line items correspond directly.

I marked the return as submitted in bVAT but haven't submitted to the tax authority yet

You must still submit the return to the tax authority portal. Marking as submitted in bVAT only locks the period for your records. The actual submission to tax authorities must be done through their portal.

I need to make changes after marking as submitted

Locked periods cannot be modified in bVAT. If you need to make corrections, you'll need to file an amended return. Contact support for guidance on unlocking periods if necessary.

How do I know if my return was submitted to the tax authority?

Check the tax authority portal for submission confirmation. In bVAT, returns marked as submitted show a lock icon and submission date. Keep records from both systems.

The tax authority portal has different fields than bVAT

bVAT's return structure matches the tax authority's reporting structure. Line items (L1, L2, L3, etc.) correspond directly. If the tax authority portal has additional fields, complete those as required by the tax authority.

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