Submitting your VAT return via an MTD bridge
This help guide article covers how to submit VAT returns via an MTD bridge.
ExpensePlus will soon support direct HMRC VAT submissions. When this is live, you will no longer need to use an MTD bridge to submit VAT returns.
MTD bridging software
Whilst there are many MTD bridging software options available, this article covers how to use the MTD bridge provided by Anna.
The process is quick and easy, and the annual cost of using this software is just £18 per year (£4.50 per submission), and the first submission is free.
ExpensePlus receives no benefit from recommending the software provided by Anna - the software they provide is simply brilliant and easy to use. Other MTD bridging software is available.
If you are using a different software package to act as an MTD bridge, then you will need to look at the help guide instructions for that software package for how to import data and submit VAT returns.
Sign up to Anna
To create an account, go to the Anna VAT return website, and click 'sign up for free' (or click here to sign into your Anna account).
Then:
- Enter your email address, and click 'continue'
- Enter the email verification code you receive
- Enter your business name and enter your company number
Connecting to HMRC
Within the Anna VAT filing screen, click the 'Connect to HMRC' button
You will then need to follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your HMRC VAT account and allow Anna to access your account (to submit VAT claims).
Once done, you will be able to see information from your HMRC VAT account within ExpensePlus, including the option to submit any VAT returns that are outstanding.
Submit VAT return
To submit a VAT return, within Anna, simply click the return you wish to submit.
Then, click the '.XLS upload' option (rather than the monthly subscription option).
The .xls upload option may show as a link towards the bottom of the screen, rather than as it does in the screenshot below.
You can then simply select the submission summary spreadsheet downloaded from ExpensePlus, click upload, and Anna will pull in the information from the file. Then click 'confirm'
If this popup appears, we'd recommend you select the 'I don't need + taxes' option to reduce cost.
Then click 'File VAT return and pay' to submit your VAT return to HMRC.
Don't forget to tick to confirm that this is complete within the VAT screen within ExpensePlus.
To better understand the VAT module, please view the module overview video here.