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January 10, 2026
Question

How do I add a missing VAT return period in QuickBooks?

  • January 10, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 3 views
I use MTD, I am up to date in QuickBooks, but HMRC is showing an old VAT return for 2020 is still missing.

    1 reply

    Clark_B
    QuickBooks Team
    January 10, 2026

    Hello there, @frank130.

     

    You’ll need to temporarily deactivate the MTD first to file the missing VAT period. Here’s how:

     

    1. Go to the Taxes menu.
    2. Select the Edit VAT dropdown and choose Edit Settings.
    3. Locate the MTD and turn it off.
    4. Click Save.

     

    Next, you’ll need to update the effective date in your VAT settings, as QuickBooks only displays VAT periods that fall after the VAT scheme start date. To change the effective date:

     

    1. Go to the Taxes menu and select VAT.
    2. Open the Edit VAT dropdown and choose Edit Settings.
    3. Find the Effective date for the new scheme and update this to the 2020 period.
    4. Click Save.

     

    Once done, you can file the missing VAT return for the old period. After filing, reconnect to MTD to refresh your data and ensure everything aligns with HMRC’s records.

     

    Feel free to click Reply if you have any other concerns.