Send your VAT return to HMRC

BusyBee Hub sends VAT returns through HMRC's Making Tax Digital VAT API, using the same HMRC connection as your Income Tax updates.

Connect (or reconnect) for VAT

Go to Taxes → VAT returns. If you're not connected yet, choose Connect to HMRC; you'll need your National Insurance number in tax settings first, as HMRC identifies you by it. If you connected before VAT was available, the page asks you to Reconnect to add VAT: HMRC shows the authorisation screen again and adds VAT to it. Nothing else changes.

Sync your periods

Choose Sync with HMRC. HMRC tells us your VAT periods and gives each one a reference; those replace the periods you set up in settings. Periods HMRC already has a return for show as Filed elsewhere. Syncing also pulls what HMRC says you owe and the payments it has received.

Send a return

Open a period that has ended. Fix anything under Needs fixing, review the items under Check before you send and tick the box, then choose Send to HMRC. You'll see box 5 and HMRC's legal declaration; tick it and choose Submit to HMRC.

HMRC answers straight away. An accepted return shows HMRC's receipt, form bundle number and how to pay (Direct Debit or a bank payment by the due date). If HMRC rejects it, the reason is shown with what to do next, and Try again reopens the return.

If we lose the connection mid-send, the return shows as Sent; choose Check status and we'll ask HMRC whether it arrived.

Compare with HMRC

On an accepted return, Compare with HMRC fetches HMRC's copy of the nine boxes and confirms it matches what you sent.