VAT in FreeAgent for accountants

This article explains how to set up the MTD for VAT connection, prepare to file a client’s VAT return and submit it to HMRC. It also explains how to make VAT corrections and update your client’s VAT registration settings.

How to set up the MTD for VAT connection

First, you'll need to create an agent services account with HMRC for your practice if you haven’t already done so. This will generate a new Government Gateway ID which will give your practice access to HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) services.

Next, you’ll need to add all of your practice’s existing Government Gateway credentials that are used for VAT filing on behalf of clients to your agent services account.

Then, you’ll need to request authority to file MTD VAT returns on behalf of any new clients directly from your agent services account and connect your agent services account to your Practice Dashboard. You’ll need to renew this connection every 18 months.

Find out more about how to set up your practice for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT.

Once your practice is set up for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, you can switch each of your VAT-registered clients to MTD filing in FreeAgent.

How to prepare for filing a client’s VAT return

Before you make your first MTD for VAT submission on behalf of a client, there are a few things to check in order to ensure that FreeAgent creates an accurate VAT return.

1. Check your client’s accounting dates

Make sure that your client’s FreeAgent start date is correct, as this can have an impact on their VAT returns and can’t be changed once a VAT return has been filed.

2. Check your client’s VAT settings

Make sure that your client’s VAT registration details - including their first VAT return period end date - have been entered correctly in their VAT registration settings.

You might find the following articles useful for entering your client’s VAT registration settings in FreeAgent:

3. Check your client’s opening balances

Make sure that your client’s opening balances as at their FreeAgent start date have been entered fully. You can either import your client’s opening balances or enter them manually.

You might find the following articles useful for entering your client’s opening balances in FreeAgent:

4. Ensure that all your client’s transactions are recorded in FreeAgent

In order to create VAT returns, FreeAgent needs to have the details of your client’s bank transactions, invoices, bills and out-of-pocket expenses. It’s important to enter these before filing the VAT return, as after you file it, FreeAgent will lock earlier periods and they'll no longer be editable.

Find out more about how to prepare your client’s account for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT in FreeAgent.

How to file a client’s VAT return to HMRC

Please note that you'll only be able to file a client’s VAT return to HMRC once the VAT period has ended.

1. Navigate to the client’s VAT return

To begin the filing process, switch to the client’s account and navigate to the VAT return you want to file.

select VAT return.png

2. Review the figures

To view a breakdown of the figures, select the 'Full Report' tab. Please note that this breakdown is for reference only and is not sent to HMRC.

Fulll report tab.png

You might find the following articles useful for editing and adjusting VAT figures and settings in your client’s account:

3. File the return to HMRC

Once you're happy with the figures and settings, select ‘File online with HMRC’ in the top-right to begin the filing process.

File VAT return.png

You might find the following articles useful for filing your client’s VAT return to HMRC:

How to make VAT corrections

Once you’ve filed a VAT return with HMRC, you can’t change it.

If you need to make corrections, you can ​​edit the invoice, bill, bank transaction or expense in question and FreeAgent will make those changes on your client’s next open VAT return. This is per HMRC’s guidance for how VAT errors should be corrected.

Find out how FreeAgent uses the deferred VAT account for VAT adjustments.

How to update your client’s VAT registration settings

If your client deregisters their business for VAT, you’ll need to cancel their VAT registration with HMRC and then update their VAT registration settings in FreeAgent.

There may be some journal entries you’ll need to create after your client has deregistered for VAT.

If your client then re-registers for VAT in the future, you’ll need to update their VAT registration settings in FreeAgent and create a new VAT registration period.

Additional resources

You might find the following VAT articles useful:

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