Filing VAT returns across multiple countries can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Each jurisdiction comes with its own set of regulations and requirements, adding another layer of complexity for growing businesses.
Understanding VAT Return Filing Requirements
If your business holds VAT registrations in more than one country, you are required to file a separate VAT return in each of them. Filing frequency depends on your business turnover and the specific rules that apply in each country.
Gathering the Necessary Information
Before starting the filing process, make sure you have everything in order. This means confirming that all your VAT numbers are active across the relevant countries, and that your output and input VAT transaction data is complete and accurate. Errors at this stage can lead to compliance issues down the line.
7 steps to file a VAT return with Lappa
Lappa offers a straightforward, efficient workflow for VAT return filing.
- Navigate to “Tax Settings” — here you can review your VAT numbers and confirm they are all active before uploading any transactions.
- Upload Transactions — go to the “Transactions” section and ensure all relevant transactions are uploaded correctly to guarantee accurate reporting.
- Fill Out Your Tax Return — open the “VAT Returns” section from the left-hand menu and select “Fill VAT Return”. Choose “VAT return” as the report type, specify the country and reason for VAT registration, then select the relevant year and filing period.
- Output VAT — this section shows the tax your business collected on sales of goods and services in the selected country. It is pre-filled based on uploaded transactions, with the option to make manual adjustments where needed.
- Input VAT — enter details of the tax your business paid when purchasing goods or services in the reporting country, such as from local suppliers.
- Intra-Community — add information about intra-EU transactions. This section is also pre-filled from uploaded data. You can opt to generate a sales list alongside the VAT report.
- Review and Submit — on the “VAT Due” page, check all figures carefully. When everything looks correct, click “Fill the form” to proceed, then confirm by selecting “Submit”.
Lappa’s tax management platform removes the need for manual calculations and takes the complexity out of navigating country-specific tax rules — saving your team significant time and effort.
Ready to simplify your VAT compliance? Contact us