Filing a VAT Return via MTD

Q: What do I need before filing an MTD VAT Return?

You need MTD-compatible software authorised with your HMRC account, all sales and purchase records for the period, and your calculated 9-box VAT Return figures.

Q: How long does it take to file a VAT Return with GoFile?

With GoFile you can file a VAT Return in under 30 seconds. Simply log in, select the obligation period, enter your 9-box figures, review, and submit to HMRC.

Key facts

You need MTD-compatible software authorised with your HMRC account.
Enter your 9-box figures or let your software calculate them.
Review carefully before submitting — once filed, you can only correct via your next return.
HMRC sends a receipt number confirming successful submission.

Step 1: Prepare Your Figures

Before filing, make sure you’ve:

Recorded all sales and purchases for the period
Checked all VAT invoices are accounted for
Made any error corrections from previous periods
Calculated your 9-box figures

Step 2: Open Your MTD Software

Step 3: View Your Obligations

Your software will show your VAT obligations — the periods for which you need to file. Select the period you want to submit.^[2]

Step 4: Enter Your Figures

Depending on your software:

Full accounting software — figures may be calculated automatically from your transaction records
Bridging/filing software — enter the 9-box figures manually or import them from your spreadsheet

Step 5: Review Before Submitting

Check every box carefully:^[3]

Do the sales figures match your records?
Have you included all input VAT you’re entitled to reclaim?
Is Box 5 (net VAT) the amount you expect?
Are Boxes 8 and 9 correct (or zero if you’re not in Northern Ireland)?

Step 6: Submit

Click submit. Your software sends the data to HMRC via the MTD API. You’ll receive:

A confirmation screen showing the submitted figures
A unique receipt number from HMRC
The payment deadline (if you owe VAT)

Keep the receipt number. It’s your proof of submission. If there’s ever a dispute about whether you filed on time, this is your evidence.

Step 7: Pay Any VAT Owed

If Box 5 is positive, you owe HMRC. Payment must reach HMRC by the filing deadline (or 3 working days later if paying by Direct Debit).

Filing with GoFile

Log in to GoFile and select VAT Return
Select the obligation period
Enter your 9-box figures (or import from CSV)
Review the summary screen
Click Submit to HMRC
Done — typically under 30 seconds

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a VAT Return through Making Tax Digital?

Sign in to your MTD-compatible software, view your VAT obligations, enter or import your 9-box figures, review them carefully, and click submit. HMRC sends a receipt number confirming successful submission.

What do I need before filing an MTD VAT Return?

You need MTD-compatible software authorised with your HMRC account, all sales and purchase records for the period, and your calculated 9-box VAT Return figures.

Can I correct a VAT Return after submitting it through MTD?

You cannot amend a submitted return directly. Errors must be corrected on your next VAT Return (for small errors) or reported to HMRC using form VAT652 (for larger or deliberate errors).

How long does it take to file a VAT Return with GoFile?

With GoFile you can file a VAT Return in under 30 seconds. Simply log in, select the obligation period, enter your 9-box figures, review, and submit to HMRC.

Sources

Submit VAT Returns using MTD — GOV.UK
Making Tax Digital for VAT — GOV.UK
How to fill in and submit your VAT Return — GOV.UK