VAT return query.

Lorne Malvo

I currently have to submit a VAT return before the deadline in a few days.

My total VAT on sales is zero however I have some vat on purchases.

Can I submit a nil/zero return for sales and purchases for now and add my purchases for this period on the next return due in September?

louis346789

Why not put the purchases in now and get a refund?

Lorne Malvo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123653840#Comment_123653840

Thanks for your input but I don't have the time this week to add up expenses.

AtticusFinch86

You're supposed to include all figures for the period they are due, so technically you should be including the purchases in this periods return. However, Revenue ultimately won't care if you hold off a month and include them in the next period. They have bigger things to worry about than miniscule administrative matters like that. If the refundable amount is only minor, it won't even trigger a query from their side.

Lorne Malvo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123654550#Comment_123654550

I thought you had a few years to reclaim VAT on purchases.

AtticusFinch86

First I've heard of that

Technically, you can amend returns up to 4 years after the return period. Which I guess would allow you to add purchases to the amended return. But you would still be amending the return for the period in which the purchases arose. You couldn't just decide to throw the purchases into May/June 2025 VAT return if the purchases arose a year earlier.

I mean, you COULD do it, it just wouldn't be technically right. Although if it's only a small amount, it's unlikely to draw any negative attention.

DmanDmythDledge

Above is correct that to be technically right you should include the VAT on expenses in the right return. But if you filed a nil return, filing a supplementary return rather than an amended return is how to do that.

martingriff

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123693040#Comment_123693040

Well both would work an amended returns override the return while a supplementary returns adds on.

Really you have to file the correct figures for the period they are for. I suppose only time Revenue would realise this is if they pick you for an audit.