I have submitted the VAT return separately and not via QB, so how do I file the return now without submitting it again to HMRC to it is marked as filed?

Hi tina,

I can help with this one.

To mark a period as filed in QuickBooks Online without submitting said return to HMRC, you would simply need to follow the below steps.

1. Click into the Taxes tab from the left hand navigation bar
2. Select Submit Return on the far right of the desired VAT period
3. When the Prepare VAT Return screen appears, confirm the dates and details are correct to what you filed with HMRC
4. When you are happy with this, click on the drop down arrow beside Submit to HMRC and select Mark as Filed

This will file the return within QuickBooks only, closing off that period for VAT, and not duplicate your submission made directly to HMRC. If you wished to use the Online Submission feature for your future returns, you can follow the steps in our article - VAT Online Submission direct to HMRC – for guidance.

Let me know if you have any queries. Or, if you'd like to go through this over the phone, you can call our dedicated team who will be happy to assist you. Our contact details can be found here along with our opening hours.