VAT periods and due dates

Go to VAT in the top navigation to see your return periods. Each row shows the period, its From and To dates, its Filing due date, and a status.

Where the periods come from

Kontala generates them from your VAT registration settings: your effective date, your first return period end, and your return frequency. If the list is empty, add those details first - the page points you to VAT Registration.

Statuses

• Open - the period is still in progress.
• Unfiled - the period has ended and no return has been filed yet.
• Filed - submitted to HMRC through Kontala.
• Marked as filed - recorded as filed outside Kontala.

Due dates

Each return shows a File by date, following the standard Making Tax Digital deadline of one calendar month and 7 days after the period ends. Deadlines and payment rules can vary by scheme, so check HMRC's guidance on VAT Returns for your own position.

Keeping periods in step with HMRC

Right after you connect to HMRC, Kontala compares your generated periods with HMRC's records. If they do not match, a dialog shows both versions side by side and offers Adjust to match HMRC or Cancel connection. Adjusting rewrites your settings so your periods line up with what HMRC expects - if the dates change, some previously filed periods may no longer appear in your list.

When a period has ended, review the return and submit it.