The software I currently use has no means of showing me what transactions it will include in the MTDvat return until after the return is submitted.
Each time I find something like this, I raise it with our supplier, who probably thinks I am some kind of wierd pedant.
Surely others would want to see the same thing?
Is it just me?
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Its not you its beyond crazy that you cant see what is being submitted before you submit it - what piece of software is it - naming and shaming may be worthwhile.
Perhaps they use the same developers as hmrc
No, not just you.
There is no way I would be trusting a mere abacus with an electrical lead to submit a report I was happy to have submitted, I would want to check it. (Just consider Eddie in the HHGTTG to see the harm that can be caused by our electronic friends)
Not as much a "wierd pedant" as I am. It's "weird" - despite the saying "I before E, except after C".
Now that is weird.
But I agree with you. Sloppy software.
At a guess "Access Education Finance" per previous questions by OP. Basically, I get the feeling the finance part of the software is somewhat anciliary - VAT is almost certainly an afterthought!
I was once approached by such a developer (friend of a friend) who wanted a 'hands on' approach and advice on developing the product. After a few meetings, I had to walk away because my idea of what the finance function required, and what the software developers were able/ willing to incorporate, were poles apart. They didn't actually want 'finance software', they wanted 'industry software' with a watered-down finance add-on! TBH I was belittled even step of the way due to my non-existent coding knowledge - I was *only* an accountant.
@OP... you are not asking for anything out of the ordinary (as you well know). If the developers want to incorporate VAT into their product, you need - no less than - the basic reporting tools prior to submission. If it is Access, they are not a 2-bit organisation so IMO deserve a severe nudge!
I would always want to see the entries on the vat return before submission. Mistakes can happen and that's the best way of spotting them.
Software providers for schools have been notoriously bad at dealing with VAT and MTD. They seem to assume that everything is exempt, therefore VAT is N/A.
I think previously schools just dealt with VAT - often arising from reverse charges on international services - manually. Now that it must be submitted by the software, they've been caught in the headlights.
Yes sadly software in general is based on “give the customer what our programmers can do” not give the customer what they need” ( or even want). Perhaps also a sad lacking of understanding upon the authors of the specification.