The first thing you need to do to close your VAT period, is make sure you have added all of your professional expenses to your app. That's right, it's time to turn your wallet upside down, clear out your mailbox and make sure you've uploaded all receipts and purchase invoices of the last quarter.
Watch out, if you have documents "to review" at the top of your expense list, they will not count in your VAT return. Make sure all your expenses are in order to proceed to the next step.
Not sure how to classify certain documents? Don't worry, that's what we are here for. Just reach out to us via the chat window in your app!
The second step is to make sure that all of your professional revenue of the last period is present in your app. This means that all the invoices you sent out in the last quarter need to be uploaded or created and that the ones that have been paid, are marked as paid.
Similarly to expenses, only invoices that are "in order" will count in your VAT returns.
Made any credit notes? Don't forget to upload or create them as well!
To complete all the tax checks, please go to your taxes page and click "review and submit" on your VAT return.
On the first page you will find the tax checks. If you have encoded everything correctly, all checks will be marked green and there is nothing left to do. In case you find some warning, please click on the warning and check if there is something left for you to do. That might be the case if you have not reviewed an expense or forgot to upload the receipt. The app will always double-check everything and warn you.
If you are unsure about a warning, please don't hesitate to reach out.
After submitting your VAT return to the Finanzamt you will receive a confirmation of the submission.
After submitting your VAT return, the only thing that is left, is to pay your VAT balance of the period. You will find this amount in your "Taxes" screen, under "VAT prepayment". At the top of the page, you will be able to find the payment details to transfer the amount.
Your VAT balance is positive? This means that you will get money back from the Finanzamt and don't need to pay anything!
All your VAT transactions (payments to Finanzamt or refunds from Finanzamt) must be encoded in the app (as expenses or revenue items). See this other article for detailed explanation.
You have paid VAT? | You have received a VAT reimbursement? |
When you make the payment, add an expense item with category "for VAT payment" | When you receive the payment, add a revenue item with category "VAT reimbursement" |
 |  |
Questions? Simply reach out to us through the chat!
Author - Valesca Wilms
As content marketing lead at Accountable Belgium, Valesca writes about freelancing, self-employment, and taxes based on her own experience as a freelancer.
Who is Valesca ?Thank you for your feedback!
Useful
As a self-employed individual with a sole proprietorship, your income is taxed under the personal in...
Read moreStarting from 2026, all self-employed individuals will need to send their invoices electronically in...
Read moreThe VAT reverse charge is a complicated word for a simple concept. It helps you purchase and sell sm...
Read moreThey always answer right away to any question I have, they provide clear answers, and they are very patient even when I struggle to understand. They try to explain in different ways. They are very helpful, responsive and friendly.
Chiara Marradi
01/05/2026
Everything was great! All my questions were answered quickly and in a friendly manner.
Wenzeslawa Wegener
04/05/2026
In the world where everyone seems to be out to get small entrepreneurs and overwhelm them with new rules, more taxes and reporting obligations, Accountable often feels like the one steady partner that actually wants you to succeed, providing quick, clear and personalised support. Thank you!
Janina Arsenjeva
10/04/2026
This is an amazing application with great support on issues. In short as in day I am addicted to it (in a positive way). I myself is from IT project management and the way they have captured the user requirement, it’s phenomenal.
Sumit Tewary
01/12/2024
UI is great. Feature packed and very easy to use. The team at Accountable were VERY quick to respond and their team of technicians soon had a fix in place. Very happy with the level of service so far. Thumbs up from me!
Dean Osborne
14/06/2023
This program is a lifesaver, and it is always improving. Plus, it has an AI chat feature that is actually useful.
Jeffrey Humble
14/01/2026
The coaching session on tax management was excellent, good material, excellent explanations and very insightful. Combined with the AI I never feel alone with Accountable.
Sergio Barbarino
23/04/2026
The availability of your team to help and guide people to understand their finances better is what really makes Accountable valuable. While the AI is able to give answers to most basic questions, specific scenarios need counsel from a human which your team performs beautifully.
Sofiya Bogdan Neves
18/04/2026
Fast and careful answers from Alina. Top service. Thank you.
Anonymous
15/04/2023
They always answer for questions wherever is via direct e-mail or through app. If they can’t answer fully they will forward you to the right place. Documents were always prepared well and ready to send further to government. Everything is intuitive in the app and easy to sort out even for someone completely green in this field.
Anonymous
22/03/2026
