Once a VAT return has been completed and the figures confirmed, you can submit it directly to HMRC from BrightTax via the MTD VAT API. This article covers the submission steps, what confirmation to expect, and what to do if a submission fails.

• The VAT return must be completed and saved — all 9 boxes entered.
• The client's HMRC authorisation must be active.
• Confirm the figures have been reviewed and, where applicable, approved by the client.

1. Navigate to the VAT dashboard for the client in BrightTax.
2. Open the completed obligation.
3. Review the 9 box figures one final time.
4. Click Submit to HMRC from the bottom toolbar.
5. A confirmation window will appear summarising the return details — period, Box 5 figure, and due date.
6. Confirm you have the client's authority to submit by ticking the confirmation box.
7. Click Submit.
8. BrightTax will transmit the return to HMRC via the MTD API.
9. A success confirmation will appear with an HMRC acknowledgement reference number.
10. The obligation status in BrightTax will update to Submitted.

After a successful submission:

• The obligation status changes to Fulfilled in the VAT dashboard.
• The submission reference and date are recorded against the obligation.
• HMRC's systems will update within a short period — the client can view the submitted return in their HMRC online account.

Where a client has no VAT activity in a period, a nil return must still be submitted. Complete all boxes with zero, save, and submit in the same way as a standard return. HMRC requires a nil return to be filed for every open obligation.

The Submit to HMRC button is not appearing

• Confirm the return is in Edit mode and has been saved.
• Check that the client's HMRC authorisation is still active — authorisations can expire and may need to be renewed.

The submission has failed

• Review the error message displayed — HMRC provides a specific error description.
• Common causes: expired client authorisation, VAT number mismatch, or a figure entered in an incorrect format.
• Correct the identified issue and resubmit.
• See VAT Troubleshooting: Common Errors and Fixes for a full list of common submission errors.

The obligation is still showing as open after submission

• HMRC's systems can take a short time to update. Refresh the VAT dashboard after a few minutes.
• If the obligation is still showing as open after 30 minutes, check the submission reference — if one was issued, the return was submitted successfully and HMRC's systems will update in due course.

Q: Can I amend a VAT return after submission?

A: VAT return amendments must be made through HMRC's error correction process. For errors below the correction threshold, adjustments are made on the next VAT return. For larger errors, a separate error correction notification must be submitted to HMRC. BrightTax does not currently support amended VAT return submissions.

Q: What happens if I miss the submission deadline?

A: HMRC will record the return as late. Submit as soon as possible — late returns and late payments attract surcharges under HMRC's VAT penalty regime. Contact HMRC directly if you need to discuss a late submission.

Q: How do I know which obligations are overdue?

A: The VAT dashboard in BrightTax shows the due date for each open obligation. Obligations past their due date will be shown with an overdue status.