How do I file the annual VAT return with VAT GPT?

Open the "Taxes" menu, pick the closed year and click "Review & Submit" at "Annual VAT Declaration". After the check you send it to the tax office with VAT GPT Pro via "Submit to Finanzamt".

Last updated: 29 October 2026

In brief

  • Where: "Taxes" menu, block "Annual VAT Declaration" (description "Umsatzsteuerjahresmeldung").
  • Deadline shown in the app: "Due July 31 of the following year".
  • Year: The current year is locked; VAT GPT points you to last year or an earlier one.
  • Sending: "Review & Submit" is a Pro feature; "Preview report" shows the report first.

When is the annual VAT return due?

Without a tax adviser the deadline is 31 July of the following year under § 149 (2) AO; if that day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 108 (3) AO). With a tax adviser the deadline is usually the last day of February of the second following year (§ 149 (3) no. 4 AO). Details and examples are in Annual VAT return deadline. Late-filing surcharges are governed by § 152 AO.

What this means for you: Note 31 July as your deadline and do not wait for the last day.

How do I file step by step?

  1. Open "Taxes" in the menu and pick the year you file for.
  2. Find the block "Annual VAT Declaration". With a yearly "German VAT filing frequency" it replaces the list of VAT returns, otherwise it sits below that list.
  3. Click "Review & Submit".
  4. In the "Annual VAT Return" window check the personal details, then the income ("Tax-free supplies (export / EU)" and the lines for 19% and 7% VAT), the input VAT from expenses and the "Filing overview for the year".
  5. For tax-free supplies enter the "§ 4 Nr." reference if VAT GPT asks for it.
  6. Click "Preview report" and check the report.
  7. Check the result "Total VAT to pay" or "Total VAT to receive as a refund".
  8. Click "Submit to Finanzamt". You then see a success message with the transfer ticket.

What this means for you: The figures come from your uploaded reports and receipts; you only check them and release them.

Why is the current year locked?

For the current and future years VAT GPT shows: "The annual declaration for {year} is not yet available. Please choose {last year} or an earlier year." (shown in the app in German). The annual return summarises a closed year.

What this means for you: From January to July choose the previous year, not the current one.

What do I see after sending?

The block shows "Submitted", "Sent on" and the amount as "to pay" or "to receive". Through the icons you open the "Payment instructions", "View declaration", "Download" and "Resubmit". A balance is due one month after the tax office receives the annual return, not after the assessment notice; you transfer it yourself, VAT GPT does not pay for you. If the tax office assesses a different amount, the difference is due one month after its notice (§ 18 (4) UStG).

What this means for you: Save the transfer ticket and transfer any balance on time yourself; payment is governed by § 18 UStG.

How VAT GPT helps

  1. Upload: You upload reports and receipts.
  2. Check: VAT GPT assembles income, input VAT and the VAT returns already filed; you check the result.
  3. Send: With VAT GPT Pro you send the return through ELSTER.

There is Free, Go (30 days free with all Pro features) and Pro. Try it for free

No tax advice: This content does not replace individual advice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an ELSTER certificate? Yes, sending runs through ELSTER; how to get the certificate is in Register for an ELSTER certificate.

Can I send the annual return on the Free plan? No, sending is a Pro feature; VAT GPT tells you that your plan does not include sending or the preview. You also see the figures on the Free plan.

Do I have to file an annual return at all? Yes, if you charge VAT you always file one, whatever your filing frequency and even if you are exempt from VAT returns (§ 18 (3) UStG). Under the small-business scheme you file none unless the tax office asks you to (§ 19 (1) sentence 2 UStG, § 149 (1) sentence 2 AO); the basics are in Annual VAT return in Germany.

What if I made a mistake? Use "Resubmit" to file a corrected return; how that works is in Correct a VAT return with VAT GPT.

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