Abbpay

VAT Submissions

Updated 1 day ago 6 min read

Overview

The VAT Submissions module enables you to manage and submit VAT returns directly to HMRC through Making Tax Digital (MTD). ABBPay connects to HMRC securely through your Government Gateway account, allowing you to retrieve VAT obligation periods, complete the standard 9-box VAT return form, and submit returns electronically. The module also maintains a history of all submitted VAT filings with processing details.

Accessing VAT Submissions

Navigate to Account > Admin > VAT Submission.

HMRC Connection Setup

Before you can submit VAT returns, you must connect your account to HMRC.

Connection Status

The page header displays your current HMRC connection status:

Status Indicator Description
Connected Green dot HMRC account is linked and active
Disconnected Red dot HMRC account is not linked

How to Connect to HMRC

  1. If disconnected, a warning callout will appear explaining that you must grant authority to ABBPay to interact with HMRC on your behalf.
  2. Click the Connect to HMRC button.
  3. You will be redirected to the HMRC Government Gateway login page.
  4. Sign in with your Government Gateway credentials and grant authority.
  5. You will be redirected back to ABBPay with a success confirmation.

Switching HMRC Accounts

If you are already connected and need to use a different Government Gateway account, click Change HMRC Client in the header area, then follow the HMRC sign-in to grant authority for the new account.

Note: ABBPay asks HMRC for permission to view and submit your VAT information.

Staying Connected

Your HMRC connection is renewed automatically. If it cannot be renewed, you will need to reconnect through the Government Gateway.

VAT Submission List

The main list view displays all previously submitted VAT filings in a searchable, sortable data table.

Table Columns

Column Description
Client Client company name and VAT number
Period Key The HMRC VAT obligation period identifier (e.g., 18A1)
Filling Ref. The charge reference number returned by HMRC after submission
Filling Date Date the filing was created in ABBPay
Processing Date Date HMRC processed the submission (shown as "Pending" badge if not yet processed)
Action View filing summary button

Filters

Filter Description
Date (From) Filter filings created on or after this date
Created To Filter filings created on or before this date

Viewing a Filing Summary

Click the clipboard icon or click on the client name to open the VAT Filing Details slide panel. This displays a read-only summary of all 9 VAT return boxes with their submitted amounts.

Creating a New VAT Submission

Step 1: Select Client

  1. From the VAT Submissions list, click the New VAT Submission button.
  2. The submission form will appear.
Field Required Description
Client Yes Select a client from the searchable dropdown
VAT Registration Number (VRN) Yes Auto-populated from the selected client's VAT number (editable)

Tip: If the client does not exist, click Create New Client to open the client creation form without leaving the page.

Step 2: Retrieve VAT Obligations

  1. Click the Get VAT Period button.
  2. ABBPay retrieves from HMRC open VAT obligation periods for the selected client's VRN.
  3. The current obligation period is displayed with its start date, end date, and due date.
  4. If multiple open periods exist, use the Change VAT Obligation Period dropdown to select a different period.

Step 3: Complete the VAT Return Form

The VAT return form follows the standard HMRC 9-box layout:

Box Field Description Entry
1 VAT due on sales VAT due on sales and other outputs Manual
2 VAT due on acquisitions VAT due on acquisitions of goods made in Northern Ireland from EU Member States Manual
3 Total VAT due Sum of boxes 1 and 2 Auto-calculated
4 VAT reclaimed VAT reclaimed on purchases and other inputs (including acquisitions from the EU) Manual
5 Net VAT Net VAT to be paid to HMRC or reclaimed (difference between boxes 3 and 4) Auto-calculated
6 Total sales ex VAT Total value of sales and other outputs excluding VAT Manual
7 Total purchases ex VAT Total value of purchases and other inputs excluding VAT Manual
8 Goods supplied to EU ex VAT Total value of supplies of goods and related costs (excluding VAT) to EU Member States Manual
9 Acquisitions from EU ex VAT Total value of acquisitions of goods and related costs (excluding VAT) from EU Member States Manual

Auto-Calculation Rules:

  • Box 3 = Box 1 + Box 2
  • Box 5 = Box 3 - Box 4

These calculations update in real-time as you enter values.

Step 4: Review and Submit

  1. Click the Review & Submit button.
  2. A confirmation slide panel appears showing:
    • The net VAT amount to pay
    • The payment due date
    • A legal declaration warning
  3. Tick the checkbox: "I confirm the information within this VAT Return is true and complete"
  4. Click Submit VAT Return to HMRC.

Important: When you submit this VAT information you are making a legal declaration that the information is true and complete. A false declaration can result in prosecution.

After Submission

On successful submission, HMRC returns:

Response Field Description
Processing Date When HMRC processed the return
Payment Indicator Whether a payment is due
Form Bundle Number HMRC's internal reference
Charge Reference Number Reference for the VAT charge

The filing is saved to the submissions list and the form is reset.

VAT Filing Details

When viewing a submitted filing, the details slide panel shows:

  • A read-only 9-box VAT return summary with all submitted amounts
  • Client name and submission metadata
  • Filing date and processing date

The system also retrieves additional information from HMRC when viewing a filing:

  • VAT returns data
  • VAT liabilities
  • VAT payments
  • VAT penalties
  • Financial details

Making Tax Digital (MTD) Compliance

ABBPay is MTD-compliant for VAT submissions. You connect through your Government Gateway account, and the information HMRC requires about your device and software is sent automatically with each submission.

VAT Return Workflow Summary

Connect to HMRC (one-time setup)
        |
Select Client & Enter VRN
        |
Get VAT Period from HMRC
        |
Complete 9-Box VAT Return Form
        |
Review & Confirm Legal Declaration
        |
Submit to HMRC
        |
Receive Processing Confirmation
        |
Filing Saved to Submissions History

Account > Admin > VAT Submission

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