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Prepare and File a Return

This page explains how to find the returns you need to file, review and adjust the figures, and file each return. For the countries Fiskl supports, see Tax Returns.

Before You Begin​

  • Set up the tax agency for the return, with its Filing Period and Period months. See Tax Management.
  • Classify the tax rates you use. A rate that is not classified is held back from the return. See Classifying Tax Rates.
  • To prepare a return you need tax write permission. To mark a return as filed you need tax submit permission. See Who Can Do What.

The Returns List​

Go to Tax > VAT to open the returns list. In US English the menu item is called Sales Tax.

The list has a tab for each tax agency, plus All Tax Agencies. Each tab shows two tables:

  • To File — Returns still to file, with the soonest due date first
  • Filed — Returns you have filed, with their figures locked

Above the tables, Fiskl shows your next deadline and how many returns are overdue. Each row shows the return and period, its status, the due date, and the amount, such as Estimated · to pay or As filed · to reclaim.

Use the button on each row to open the return:

  • Preview — The period is still running. You can see the figures so far
  • Prepare Return — The period has ended and the return is ready to prepare
  • View — Open a filed return, or a return you cannot change

To download the list, select Export To File as CSV or Export Filed as CSV.

Void a Period​

If a period never needed a return, you can void it.

  1. Select the menu on the row, then select Void This Period.
  2. Enter a Reason.
  3. Confirm.

The period leaves the To File table. Voiding cannot be undone, so check the period first. To see voided periods again, filter by Status and select Void.

Review and Adjust​

Select Prepare Return to open the return at the Review & Adjust step.

Resolve Warnings​

The Warnings card lists anything Fiskl found that affects the return:

  • Must fix before filing — You cannot file until these are resolved, for example a tax rate that is not classified
  • Check before filing — Review these, then fix them or select Acknowledge

Each warning has an action that takes you to the fix, such as Classify Rate or Review Transactions. Fiskl records each acknowledgement with your name and the time.

Check the Boxes​

The box table shows every box on the return. For each box you see:

  • Ledger — The figure from your transactions in this period
  • Earlier periods — Changes to transactions in periods you have already filed, reported in this return
  • Adjustments — Changes you add to this return
  • Return — The figure that goes on the return

Select a Ledger figure to see the transactions behind it. Boxes with a lock are calculated from other boxes, so you cannot adjust them directly.

Add an Adjustment​

Use an adjustment when a box needs a figure your transactions do not produce, such as a rounding difference or a scale charge.

  1. Select Adjust on the box.
  2. Select a Reason. Each country has its own list of reasons.
  3. Enter the Amount.
  4. Enter a Note explaining the adjustment. A note is always required.
  5. Attach evidence. Some reasons require evidence before you can file.
  6. Select Save Adjustment.

Your adjustments appear under Adjustments in This Return. You can remove an adjustment until you file.

Transactions From Earlier Periods​

If someone adds or changes a transaction dated in a period you have already filed, Fiskl does not change the filed return. Depending on the country, Fiskl reports the change in your next return under Transactions from Earlier Periods, or lists it under Not Included in This Return with what to do next, such as filing a corrected return.

Move to Filing​

When the figures are right, select Continue to File. The return's status changes to Ready. To make more changes before you file, select Reopen Return from the row menu in the returns list.

File the Return​

UK VAT Returns​

  1. On the File step, read the declaration.
  2. Select Submit to HMRC.

Fiskl sends the return to HMRC and records HMRC's receipt. If Fiskl does not receive HMRC's answer, the return shows Waiting for HMRC's Answer. Select Check with HMRC, or record the answer from your HMRC online account with Record HMRC's Answer.

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Submitting to HMRC switches on once HMRC approves Fiskl's connection. See HMRC Making Tax Digital.

Returns for Other Countries​

Fiskl does not connect to these tax authorities, so you file on the authority's own portal, then record the filing in Fiskl.

  1. On the File step, use How to File. Select Copy Figures, then Open the authority's portal.
  2. Enter the figures on the portal and submit the return there.
  3. Back in Fiskl, enter the Filing Details: the filing date and the reference the portal gives you.
  4. Upload your documents, such as the return as filed and the acknowledgement.
  5. Confirm the declaration.
  6. Confirm whether you filed with exactly these figures. If the portal figures differ, select Filed with different figures and give the reason for each box.
  7. Select Mark as Filed. If the return is a nil return, select File Nil Return.
tip

File with exactly the figures Fiskl shows. Fiskl checks the figures again when you mark the return as filed, and a difference means a correction later.

Preview Any Date Range​

To see tax figures for a date range that is not a filing period, select Ad hoc preview (any date range) at the bottom of the returns list. The preview is for checking only. It does not create or file a return.

For tax agencies marked Not yet available, the preview is how you see their figures.

Common Issues​

I cannot see the Tax menu

The Tax menu appears once you have a tax agency in a supported country, with its filing period set. You also need tax read permission. Check your tax agencies in Settings > Tax Management > Taxes.

A tax agency shows Not yet available

Returns for that country are coming at the end of November. Use Ad hoc preview to see its figures in the meantime. See Supported Countries.

Continue to File is blocked

A warning under Must fix before filing is still open. Resolve it, then try again. The reason also appears beside the button.

I can prepare the return but cannot mark it as filed

Marking a return as filed needs tax submit permission. Ask an owner or administrator to file it, or to update your permissions.

The due date is different from what I expected

Fiskl moves a due date that falls on a weekend or public holiday, following each country's rules. Check the Filing Period and Period months on the tax agency, and any registration options such as a permanent extension.