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Post a VAT Transaction via Journal

Follow these instructions using a Journal entry to post a VAT transaction

Written by Marie Claire Saliba

Table of Contents


Introduction

Use this procedure when you pay VAT directly to Customs while collecting your goods.


Steps

  1. Go to Nominal > VAT Return > VAT Transactions tab, and click the Post VAT Journal button.
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  2. The VAT Control Account is selected automatically and greyed out to show it cannot be changed. All contra entries are posted to this account.
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  3. Select the Nominal account used to pay VAT (e.g. bank or cash account VAT is paid from).

  4. In the Local VAT field, enter the amount paid to Customs.
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  5. Since you're making a VAT payment, in the D/C field choose 'Credit'.

  6. The VAT field shows only VAT rates that support direct VAT posting. (Set these up 👉 here.) Select the applicable rate.

    • Note: Selecting a VAT rate reflects the rate applied by Customs, which must be reported in the VAT Return. VAT isn't charged twice.
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  7. Fill in the Date, Ext Ref (e.g. VAT Assessment identifier) and the remaining fields as needed.

  8. Select Add line item for every VAT transaction you have to record.
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  9. Click Post in the bottom right when ready.
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Result

A contra entry—in this case, a debit—will automatically be posted against the VAT Control Account for the inserted line items. You can check this in Nominal > Audit Trail.
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Correcting Mistakes

If you make a mistake, don't worry! You can reverse and repost the transaction from Nominal > Transactions, just like any other transaction.
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