Five mistakes we see most often in VAT returns
03 September 2026
· 1 min
These errors lead to penalties, yet every one of them is easy to avoid.
When we take on a new client we look at the previous periods filings. The same errors keep coming up.
1. Invoices that do not match the return
The most common case. An e-invoice was issued but never made it into the return, or the other way round.
2. Input VAT not reclaimed
The company forgets to reclaim VAT it has paid. That is money left on the table.
3. Documents past the deadline
Nobody checks the issue date against the reclaim window.
4. Mixed transactions not split properly
Taxable and exempt transactions get calculated together.
5. Filing on the last day
The system is overloaded, submission fails, and a penalty follows.