| Overview |
Once you have created and opened a Corporation Tax return in BrightTax, this article explains how to navigate its structure — the tabs, the table of contents, the top toolbar, and the key areas where data is entered.
| The CT Return Tabs |
| Tab | What It Contains |
|---|---|
| Summary | Client details, template assignment, address details, and task action buttons |
| Submission History | A full log of all submissions made for this return, including dates and HMRC reference numbers |
| The CT Navigation Toolbar |
The CT navigation toolbar sits at the top of the CT return and expands using the toggle switch on the left. It contains three key tabs:
- Table of Contents — lists all pages and schedules included in the return. Click any item to jump directly to that page.
- Template Tab — used to add supplementary schedules and access CT Options and Report Signing Information.
- Capital Allowances — opens the Capital Allowances module for the return.
| Entering Data on the CT Return |
Data is entered on the CT return in two ways:
- CT return schedules (left navigation pane) — the primary method. Enter figures directly into the grey cells on each schedule. All figures should be entered as positives — BrightTax automatically applies the correct sign in the computation.
- CT600 form boxes (direct entry) — the CT600 boxes are automatically populated from the schedule entries. Direct entry into CT600 boxes is only needed for rarely used fields not covered by the schedules.
| ⚠ Important: Always enter figures as positive values in the CT return schedules. The computation applies the correct sign automatically. Entering negative figures may cause calculation errors. |
| Key CT Return Sections |
| Section | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Adjustments to Profit | Add-backs, deductions, and adjustments to the accounting profit to arrive at taxable profit |
| Capital Allowances | Plant and machinery, special rate pool, and other qualifying assets |
| CT600 Form | The statutory return form submitted to HMRC — populated automatically from schedule entries |
| Supplementary Pages | CT600A, CT600C, CT600D, CT600E, CT600J, CT600K, CT600L and others — added via the Template tab |
| Declaration (CT600 xii) | The declaration section — must be completed before submission |
| Printing Reports |
Reports — including the CT computation, CT600, and supporting schedules — are printed via the Print menu on the CT return toolbar. You can print individual sections or the full return.
| Bottom Toolbar Actions |
| Button | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Check and Calculate | Validates the return and calculates the CT liability |
| Produces the CT computation, CT600, and supporting schedules as a PDF | |
| Submit to HMRC | Submits the completed return to HMRC electronically |
| Three-dot menu (⋯) | Contains Discard, CT Options, and Submit Amended |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: Where do I find the CT600 form within the return?
A: The CT600 is accessible via the Table of Contents in the CT navigation toolbar. Scroll through the table of contents to find CT600 and its supplementary pages.
Q: How do I add a supplementary schedule like CT600L?
A: Expand the CT navigation toolbar, click the Template tab, and click Supplementary Schedules. Tick the schedules you require.
Q: Can I view the CT computation before submitting?
A: Yes. Click Print from the bottom toolbar and select the computation to produce a PDF preview of the full CT calculation.
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