Prepare & Review the VAT201 Return

Goal: build the periodic VAT201 working paper from your posted invoices, review it, and file it on SARS eFiling.

Before you start

• All sales and purchase invoices for the period are submitted.
• Item VAT categories and tax templates are correct (this is what makes classification accurate).

Steps

1. New VAT201 Return. SA VAT workspace → VAT201 Return → New.
2. Set the period. Choose the company, the period (matching your filing frequency), and the From / To dates.
3. Get VAT Transactions. Click the fetch action to pull every posted sales and purchase invoice in the period into the transactions table.
4. Review classifications. Each row shows its type (Sales/Purchase) and classification (standard output, zero-rated, exempt, standard/capital input, etc.). Rows the system can't classify confidently are flagged needs review.
5. Clear the review rows. For each flagged row, check the item's VAT category and the tax template on the source document, correct it, and re-fetch. Aim for zero review rows.
6. Check the totals. The return computes Total Output VAT, Total Input VAT, and VAT Payable = Output − Input (or a refund).
7. File on eFiling. Export/print the return and capture it on SARS eFiling. The system produces the working paper and audit trail; the submission itself is manual.

Reconcile before you file

• Use the VAT reports to cross-check — see VAT Reports.
• Confirm the VAT Payable figure agrees with your VAT Output and VAT Input ledger balances for the period.

Monthly/period routine (summary)

Post all invoices → create VAT201 Return → Get VAT Transactions → clear review rows → reconcile against the ledger → export and file on eFiling → record the payment or refund.

Common issues

• Many "needs review" rows → items missing a VAT category, or wrong tax template on source documents. Fix the source and re-fetch.
• Totals don't tie to the ledger → an invoice was posted/credited after you fetched; re-fetch the return.

Next

Learn the reports that support the return: VAT Reports. If you also run payroll, continue to Run a Monthly Payroll.