Use the VAT Return option in Dimensions to calculate and produce your VAT Return for HMRC. A new return includes all transactions not previously updated within, or before, the selected period or date range.
📌 Note: If you use Access Digital Tax, the VAT Return option in Dimensions is disabled. Submit your return from Access Digital Tax instead.
Back up your Dimensions database before running your VAT Return. Once you update the return, you cannot reverse it without restoring a backup.
Access the VAT return
On the Dimensions ribbon, click the System tab.
In the VAT section of the ribbon, click the VAT Return icon and select the required type from the drop-down.
📌 Note: A window opens 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 ensure that New is selected.
Check the period or date range shown is correct and adjust if needed.
Amend the VAT Reference if required.
Choose Summary or Detailed as required.
📌 Note: By default, Dimensions opens the VAT return as a .txt file. To change this to a .csv file, click Delimited (tabs), then select Delimited (commas).
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: Printing to screen or to file will not update your VAT Return figures. You must print a hard copy for Dimensions to update the figures. A PDF printer can be used.
At the top of the window, select the output method for the report.
Once the correct destination is assigned, click the green tick at the top.
When prompted, click Yes to print the VAT Return.
⚠️ Warning: If you chose to output to a printer, a message appears asking if you want to update your VAT Return. Do not confirm until you are satisfied your VAT figures are correct — you cannot reverse this without restoring a backup.
Check the figures in the VAT Summary are correct.
Once you are satisfied with the figures, print the VAT Return to a printer and confirm that you want to update it.
📌 Note: If no transactions are included on the VAT control account for the selected period, a report will not print.