In Dimensions, you can use the VAT Return option to calculate and produce your VAT Return for HMRC. A New return will include all transactions not previously updated by the process below from within, or before, the period/date range selected.
Note: If you use Access Digital tax, the VAT Return option in Dimensions is disabled. Instead, you must submit it from Access Digital Tax.
Before running your VAT Return we strongly recommend you back up your Dimensions database as once you update the VAT Return you can't reverse it.
Access the VAT Return
On the Dimensions ribbon, click on the System tab.
In the VAT section of the ribbon, click the VAT Return icon and select the required type from the drop down.
This will open a window showing the VAT figures from the last time you printed and updated the VAT Return.
Click the Print icon at the top of the screen and endure that New is selected
Check the period or date range that appears is correct and change as required.
Amend the VAT Reference if required.
Choose Summary or Detailed as necessary.
Note: As standard, Dimensions will automatically want to open the VAT return as a txt file. If you would like to have this changed to a csv file, then you will need to click onto Delimited (tabs) then select Delimited (commas), which will then change this to a csv file.
A detailed VAT Return displays all of the transactions making up the VAT Return for that quarter and this could cover many pages. Both versions finish with the VAT Summary.
Print the VAT Return
Note: If you select Print to Screen or Print to File, this will not update your VAT Return figures. You must print a hard copy of the VAT Return for Dimensions to update your VAT Return figures - a pdf printer can be used if desired.
At the top of the window, select the output method for the report.
Once the correct destination is assigned, click the green tick box at the top.
To print the VAT Return, click Yes.
If you chose to output the report to a printer, a message asking if you want to update your VAT Return. Don't confirm this message until you're happy that your VAT figures are correct as you can't reveres this without restoring a backup.
Check the figures in the VAT Summary are correct
Once you're happy with your figures print the VAT Return to a printer and confirm that you want to update the VAT Return.
Note: if no transactions are included on the vat control account for the selected period a report will not print.