How to submit a VAT Return using Sage

Submitting a VAT Return using Sage is a simple process, however before you can do this you need the correct log in details to do so.  These log in details are commonly known as a Government Gateway ID.

As a Sage user that is not currently using Sage to submit your VAT returns, you will currently be using one of the following methods:

Method 1 – You prepare the VAT return on sage but sign in to your Government Gateway ID each quarter to make the submission.  You manually enter the figures from sage onto the relevant screen.

Method 2 – You prepare the VAT return on sage then pass the figures on to your accountant who submits the figures to HMRC on your behalf through their government gateway account.

If you currently use Method 1 then submitting your VAT return on Sage is very simple and you are only a few steps away.  Please scroll down to the section “I have a Government Gateway ID for VAT”.

If you currently use Method 2 then you need to create a Government Gateway ID & Password to enable you to make the submissions using sage.  If this is you, scroll down to the section “I do not have a Government Gateway ID for VAT”

I have a government gateway ID for VAT

You currently submit your VAT returns each quarter to HMRC by signing in to your Government Gateway.

To enable you to submit automatically using Sage, please follow these instructions:

1. Log in to Sage. You must have an up to date version that allows electronic submissions to be made.  If you are using an older version of sage, please contact us as soon as possible and we can help you upgrade.
2. Click on Settings then Company Preferences and choose the VAT
3. If your software is up to date, you will see a section called eSubmissions Credentials. Enter your Government Gateway ID under User ID then enter your password in the password box and again in the Confirm box.
4. Fill in the boxes under eSubmissions Contact Details
5. Click Ok
6. Prepare your VAT Return on Sage as normal and choose “Reconcile VAT Return”.
7. Choose Submit Online and follow the instructions.

If you run into any problems with the above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your contact at Whiting & Partners and we will endeavour to assist.

I do not have a Government Gateway ID for VAT

Before you can use Sage to submit your VAT returns, you will need to sign up with HMRC.

This is a simple process, however before you can do this you will need to have a number of details to hand first:

• VAT Registration number
• Date of VAT Registration
• An Email address
• The type of business you are – Sole Trader, Partnership or Ltd Company
• If you are a sole trader or partnership, you will need your UTR number and national insurance number
• If you are a Limited Company you will need your Company registration number and Company UTR number, also known as a tax reference.

You can then go to the following website:

https://www.access.tax.service.gov.uk/registration/email

Follow the instructions on screen entering the details as required.  If you are uncertain about the answers to some of the questions, please call us and we should be able to help.

Once you have your Government Gateway ID, you can scroll back up the screen and follow the instructions for “I have a Government Gateway ID for VAT”

Disclaimer - All information in this post was correct at time of writing.