List of software suitable for submitting VAT returns - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

VinceH · Expert

List of software suitable for submitting VAT returns

Leger · Master Book-keeper

VinceH wrote:
I didn't know this list existed, so in case others here are similarly unaware of it:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-returns-and-ec-sales-list-commercial-software-suppliers/vat-commercial-software-suppliers

Thanks Vince, I've bookmarked that. VT + will be updating their software this year which will have a button to export the VAT figures which can then be imported into suitable software. I'm hoping that https://www.neilsonjamestech.co.uk/vatreturn.php will have the suitability to do that. On his website he says he doesn't think that will be a problem but it depends what criteria HMRC lay down.

I can't believe we've only got a year and just under 2 months to go and the software vendors still don't know the exact criteria needed.

ArthurBrown · Newbie

There are many VAT return software in the market with cheap or low price but the thing is which one can fulfill all your requirement related to accountancy such as VAT returns. So this is my personal experience with below mention software just go through with that to get deep details.

-- Edited by Shamus on Thursday 10th of May 2018 07:43:16 PM

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Mr Mod
VEIS on the top link

deepanshu shukla · Newbie

there are lot of software is available in the market << Marketing removed by moderator >>

-- Edited by deepanshu shukla on Saturday 4th of August 2018 07:34:34 AM

Artois · Guru

A touch of VEIS I think!

Donna CBK · Senior Member

The good news is all the software I offer are on the list including the small QuickFile.
A few surprised me a little, thought TAS was no longer around and why are QuickBooks not on the list at all.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Thank goodness for spammers - made me have a nother look at that list!

Tas is still around - Sage own it. Although if I recall correctly they are not developing it (or somesuch commentary) further. I have an Accountant pal who is a TAS practice and I keep meaning to find out from her about what it means/her plans (but forget when the wine starts to flow!)

Strange one about QB though.

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Hi Joanne and Donna

I'm delighted that Neilson James is now on that list. That will allow VT+ users to still be able to submit VAT returns after next April. Cost (currently) is £40 + VAT pa for a single company or £80+VAT pa up to 10 companies so definitely affordable.

Also surprised to see Moneysoft Money Manager on that list, as I didn't expect them to continue with it after MTD. Fair play to them for that.

VinceH · Expert

"That will allow VT+ users" who also use Microsoft Excel "to still be able to submit VAT returns after next April."

Slight correction there, John.

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Hi Vince

My understanding is that it will link directly with VT+. I don't think Excel will need to be on the users computer.

From the website:

Interfacing with Accounts software: There will be 3 main methods to import prepared VAT Returns from accounting systems into the software.
This approach will allow businesses using VT Transaction+, VT Cash Book, Excel based accounting systems or 3rd party Accounts software suppliers to transfer prepared VAT Returns into the NJT VAT Return Manager for subsequent submission to HMRC.

From 'VT Transaction+' or 'VT Cash Book'
You will be prompted to locate your VT file then the VAT Return details will be automatically imported into the software.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

VinceH wrote:
"That will allow VT+ users" who also use Microsoft Excel "to still be able to submit VAT returns after next April."

Slight correction there, John.

Hi Vince,

just to clarify I assume that you mean for exporting / importing the data?

I use Excel myself but I assume that any spreadsheet package would suffice for the transfers.

kindest regards,

Shaun.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

sorry John, we crossed. :)

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Shamus wrote:
VinceH wrote:
"That will allow VT+ users" who also use Microsoft Excel "to still be able to submit VAT returns after next April."

Slight correction there, John.
Hi Vince,
just to clarify I assume that you mean for exporting / importing the data?

Hi Shaun

I was under the impression it would extract the data rather than import, although I'm sure that the MTD button on VT+ will export the data to a csv file anyway, allowing you to use any bridging software.

VinceH · Expert

Either you guys are reading something different to me, or the NJT software will only work for people who have Excel. From their website:

"NJT VAT Return Manager (MTD) - Due for release late 2018
(Online filing of MTD compliant VAT Returns to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs)

The 'NJT VAT Return Manager (MTD)' is a Microsoft Excel workbook that provides a quick and secure online filing of MTD compliant VAT Returns to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Prepared VAT Returns can be imported from VT Transaction+, VT Cashbook, an Excel workbook or a CSV text file."

My emphasis. And under "Minium System Requirements":

"Microsoft Excel: Excel 2007 (service pack 3) onwards. Note: only Excel '32-bit' versions are supported."

Don't get me wrong - I wasn't criticising your previous comment for not mentioning Excel, merely highlighting that it isn't a solution that's going to work for everyone. (And nor am I criticising NJT - it shows an impressive understanding of Excel to be able to develop solutions like theirs.)

It's just not a solution that's going to work for everyone.

Edit: Grammar. "I'm wasn't" ? WTF?

-- Edited by VinceH on Monday 6th of August 2018 09:00:38 AM

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Leger wrote:
Hi Joanne and Donna
I'm delighted that Neilson James is now on that list. That will allow VT+ users to still be able to submit VAT returns after next April. Cost (currently) is £40 + VAT pa for a single company or £80+VAT pa up to 10 companies so definitely affordable.
Also surprised to see Moneysoft Money Manager on that list, as I didn't expect them to continue with it after MTD. Fair play to them for that.

Hi John

Reckon I might be asking you to remind me of that name nearer the time! Or maybe I will just be retiring especially with Vince's comments - I find the whole push by HMRC just an obscene tax on small businesses.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

VinceH wrote:
Either you guys are reading something different to me, or the NJT software will only work for people who have Excel. From their website:

"NJT VAT Return Manager (MTD) - Due for release late 2018
(Online filing of MTD compliant VAT Returns to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs)

The 'NJT VAT Return Manager (MTD)' is a Microsoft Excel workbook that provides a quick and secure online filing of MTD compliant VAT Returns to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Prepared VAT Returns can be imported from VT Transaction+, VT Cashbook, an Excel workbook or a CSV text file."
My emphasis. And under "Minium System Requirements":
"Microsoft Excel: Excel 2007 (service pack 3) onwards. Note: only Excel '32-bit' versions are supported."
Don't get me wrong - I wasn't criticising your previous comment for not mentioning Excel, merely highlighting that it isn't a solution that's going to work for everyone. (And nor am I criticising NJT - it shows an impressive understanding of Excel to be able to develop solutions like theirs.)
It's just not a solution that's going to work for everyone.
Edit: Grammar. "I'm wasn't" ? WTF?

-- Edited by VinceH on Monday 6th of August 2018 09:00:38 AM

As mentioned above this whole MTD palaver is just another 'tax' on small businesses. HMRC pushed folk to report VAT online, even where there was no internet offering as businesses could complete their VAT online report at their local library. Now at the time, and yes this wasnt that long ago (certainly AFTER 2007!!) even a large chunk of businesses didnt have access to any library, not even a mobile one. Now, even less businesses do given the closures and now....well that aint gonna happen as the few that are left wont have the capabilities for such prcoessing and besides all the data is supposed to be linked 'digitally'.

Never mind those businesses who use older versions of excel (yes believe it or not there are some)

Never mind those businesses who dont use excel at all (yep there are some of those as well ) but instead use Open Office.

BTW - how and where does google docs fit into that scheme?

Personally I use VT bit not much. Wondering if I can easily dump my Sage clients data into VT then export this to the VAT reporting software?

Just in theory because that, no doubt will just be cost prohibitive than buying an extra bit of kit in my time alone.

As we know the whole thing is a FARCE!!!!!!!! Wont stop the real problem- the tax dodgers. Much as GDPR wont stop the real spammers.

VinceH · Expert

"As mentioned above this whole MTD palaver is just another 'tax' on small businesses. "

Indeed - but it's slightly worse than that, because it's offering big players like Sage a potential means to force end users hands. I use the old(ish) version of Sage that I do because it works, and isn't broken - therefore doesn't need fixing. There's also my anger at Sage for spamming, and stating that I'll only ever upgrade if I have to.

MTD effectively means the software is broken. It means I will have to upgrade unless I can find a suitable alternative. (And, no, VT is not a suitable alternative for the stuff I have in Sage - except possibly my own accounts. I have yet to find anything that is a suitable alternative.)

It should be noted that HMRC's changes have already 'broken' my copy of Sage, in that I can no longer submit VAT returns from it - the changes are to do with the sign in process. For the moment, at least, I can manually log in and submit them. I will wait until much closer to D Day before I change anything; I'm hoping that the then current version of Sage will support MTD and still be available (from eg SJ Software) on a perpetual licence - I'll upgrade then, because I have no choice.

I also don't like the idea of 'subscribing' to something when it absolutely shouldn't be necessary - if the goalposts don't change, there should be no need to pay, then pay again, then pay again... but that's what MTD provides an opportunity for; When the time comes, I can easily imagine some companies saying "Only our subscription software can be used for MTD..."

The logical way around that will be bridging software - but for me that bridging software must be stand-alone software, and not something that relies on (or runs in) Excel.

And there's nothing to say HMRC won't keep moving the goalposts - any changes to the process will mean updates would be necessary to software. In which case, even if you don't actually subscribe to your software, you'd end up doing so in all but name.

Is it any wonder certain cloud companies were able to spread FUD that MTD meant cloud, with so many people believing them? Gah!

"As we know the whole thing is a FARCE!!!!!!!! Wont stop the real problem- the tax dodgers."

Quite. :(

Leger · Master Book-keeper

VinceH wrote:
Either you guys are reading something different to me, or the NJT software will only work for people who have Excel. From their website:

Hi Vince

What a pillock!!

That's me by the way and not you biggrin Moral of the story is that when you've read page 1, continue to page 2

I didn't take your comments as a criticism, but was thinking you meant excel needed to be on the computer in connection with VT+, not the NJT software.

Bug**r, I was planning on ditching excel and switching to Libre Office, which I don't think will work because of the VBA functions.

Thinking about it, I'm not sure whether my current Microsoft Office is permanent or annual, I had assumed the latter. I got it for 30 squid last September but I can't see any expiry date on the program. I shouldn't really grumble if I have to fork out the same again.

VinceH · Expert

I thought that might be what you were thinking - and probably Shaun as well.

My absolute position is as it has always been, and as I more or less said in my post earlier today: Wait until the last minute and I have no choice, then do something. (Hopefully there will be more options by then).

VinceH · Expert

As an afterthought... I may very well have a copy of Excel that I can install. The last time I bought Office was with my old Lenovo Thinkpad. I bought Office with it "just in case" I needed to resort to it to open files sent to me by clients. That need never materialised, but it does mean that (if the machine came with installation media) I may have a copy I can install. If so, I have a possible solution for VT. I'll have to root around in my old discs at home.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

VinceH wrote:
I thought that might be what you were thinking - and probably Shaun as well.

Evening Vince,

yep, spot on matey. Thought that you were talking about the VT side of the fence. Oops.

cheers for the update,

All the best,

Shaun.

Leger · Master Book-keeper

VinceH wrote:
As an afterthought... I may very well have a copy of Excel that I can install. The last time I bought Office was with my old Lenovo Thinkpad. I bought Office with it "just in case" I needed to resort to it to open files sent to me by clients. That need never materialised, but it does mean that (if the machine came with installation media) I may have a copy I can install. If so, I have a possible solution for VT. I'll have to root around in my old discs at home.

If not you can get office 2016 for £29 from the Key Factory. Internet download legit software. Like I said earlier, I'm not sure whether that's an annual licence or a one off fee. I'll let you know at the end of September smile

VinceH · Expert

Office 2016? That's dangerously up to date - note that the NJT page mentions that it's only compatible with 32-bit versions of Excel; With a 2016 version, it's worth checking that's what you have.

VinceH · Expert

Also, I suppose this thread is as good a place as any to drop this particular bombshell:

www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2018/08/04/microsoft-windows-10-subscription-cost-price-upgrade-update-windows-7-8/

Leger · Master Book-keeper

VinceH wrote:
Office 2016? That's dangerously up to date - note that the NJT page mentions that it's only compatible with 32-bit versions of Excel; With a 2016 version, it's worth checking that's what you have.

I think more by luck than management I have the 32 bit version. Checking the key factory website it is available in 32 and 64 bit and I vaguely recall downloading the 32 bit by mistake but it worked so I left it.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Boll8cks

Sag is not the best for payroll.

you are just a spammer! Copy and pasting to old posts. Not even in the right country

Artois · Guru

Cheshire wrote:
Boll8cks

Sag is not the best for payroll.

you are just a spammer! Copy and pasting to old posts. Not even in the right country

biggrin biggrin biggrin And that told you John!!!! (well that's what it looks like now)

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Oh and now I cant even go back in and edit it/deny it!!!!!!

Just for info , for anyone not in the know, I was responding to Akshay_M ....... who is no longer with us, him being a spammer based in the good ol US of A.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

No idea what 'sag' is neither!!!!!

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Artois wrote:
Cheshire wrote:
Boll8cks

Sag is not the best for payroll.

you are just a spammer! Copy and pasting to old posts. Not even in the right country
And that told you John!!!! (well that's what it looks like now)

What is she like Doug? And as for blaming it on a spammer.....where is the evidence? biggrin biggrin

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Lol, I tidied a few up earlier but must have missed one!

Well. no point fixing it now!

johnhemming · Senior Member

This is probably the best link to a searchable list of suppliers:
www.tax.service.gov.uk/making-tax-digital-software

There are now 425 results for businesses.

A point I have made to HMRC is that it does not allow a filter by operating system. Apple users find that many of the suppliers cannot handle apple equipment, for example. HMRC are thinking about this.

VinceH · Expert

That's an excellent point. So many people just use Windows that it doesn't get considered.