DataFlow submits VAT returns directly to HMRC under Making Tax Digital. The nine-box VAT 100 is built from the VAT module and filed through the HMRC API, so the figures you review are the figures HMRC receives. Making Tax Digital here covers VAT only.
The problem
When filing VAT means leaving your accounts.
Making Tax Digital requires a direct link to HMRC. Re-keying the return into a separate portal breaks that link and puts the numbers at risk.
Re-keying into a separate portal
The nine boxes get copied from the accounts into an HMRC screen by hand, so a transcription slip can put the wrong figure on a filed return.
No proof of what was sent
Once the return is filed elsewhere, the request and response live outside the accounts, so there is nothing against the VAT period to show what HMRC received.
Guessing which period to file
Without the HMRC obligation in view, it is easy to file against the wrong period or miss a due date that only HMRC actually holds.
Filing figures nobody reconciled
The nine boxes are filed from a spreadsheet total that the VAT control accounts were never checked against, so a mistake in the return only comes to light once HMRC already has it.
Overview
From VAT Journal to filed return.
The return you file is built from the ledger, not typed a second time.
Per-company HMRC credentials you can test
OAuth-style credentials held per company under Manage MTD Credentials. Test MTD Connectivity checks them against HMRC’s live and test services.
Per companycredentials held separately
Live & testconnectivity verified before you file
The VAT Journal reconciles the period first
The VAT Journal reconciles the VAT control accounts for the period. A closed DataFlow VAT period is the basis for the return.
ReconciledVAT control accounts for the period
Closed periodis what the return is built from
Match the obligation and file the nine-box VAT 100
The MTD Submission window loads your open HMRC obligations. Your closed DataFlow VAT period is matched to the obligation before you submit.
Nine-boxfiled straight to HMRC
Obligationmatched to your closed period
The receipt and payload kept against the period
On acceptance HMRC returns a receipt number. The full request and response payload and the submitting user are retained against the VAT period.
Receiptnumber returned on acceptance
Full payloadretained against the period
Explore more
More integrations.
Other ways DataFlow connects to the banks, payment and finance services around the ledger.
Yes. The nine-box VAT 100 is built from the VAT module and submitted directly to HMRC through the HMRC API under Making Tax Digital. You review the nine-box summary in the MTD Submission window and submit from there.
Does Making Tax Digital cover more than VAT?
No. Making Tax Digital here is VAT only. Income tax and corporation tax are out of scope, and EC Sales List and Intrastats remain separate submissions outside MTDfB.
How does DataFlow know which period to file?
The MTD Submission window loads your open HMRC obligations and matches them to your closed DataFlow VAT period, so the return goes against the obligation HMRC is expecting.
What do I keep once a return is filed?
On acceptance HMRC returns a receipt number. The full request and response payload and the submitting user are retained against the VAT period for audit.
