How do I correct a sent VAT return with VAT GPT?

In the "Taxes" menu, click the "Resubmit" icon in the row of the sent VAT return, correct the figures and send again with VAT GPT Pro. VAT GPT marks the return as corrected and names the return it replaces.

Last updated: 29 October 2026

In brief

  • Where: "Taxes" menu, row of the sent VAT return, icon "Resubmit".
  • Marking: A pre-ticked, locked box: "Corrected return – replaces your VAT return of {date}".
  • Annual return: There the text reads "Corrected return – replaces your annual VAT return of {date}".
  • Plan: Sending is a Pro feature.

When do I have to correct a VAT return?

If you notice a mistake after sending, such as a forgotten receipt or a wrong tax rate, you correct the return as soon as you notice. The legal basics are in Correct a VAT return; advance returns are governed by § 18 (1) UStG and the annual return by § 18 (3) UStG; the duty to notify and correct is in § 153 AO.

What this means for you: Do not wait for the next return; correct the error in the period it belongs to.

How do I correct it step by step?

  1. Fix the cause first: upload the missing receipt under "Expenses" or correct the receipt under "Edit Invoice".
  2. Open the "Taxes" menu and pick the year.
  3. Find the row of the period you sent. It shows "Sent on".
  4. Click the "Resubmit" icon.
  5. Check the new figures in the window. The box "Corrected return – replaces your VAT return of {date}" is already ticked and cannot be changed.
  6. Click "Preview report" and check the report.
  7. Click "Submit to Finanzamt".

What this means for you: You do not set the correction anywhere yourself; VAT GPT marks it as soon as an earlier return for the period exists.

What happens to the first return?

The corrected return replaces the earlier VAT return of the period at the tax office. If it shows less tax or a refund, it takes effect only once the tax office agrees; that happens informally, usually by paying out the refund (§ 168 AO). In VAT GPT the first return stays visible with "Sent on", and "View declaration" opens it.

What this means for you: You have both versions documented and can show them to your tax adviser.

Does this also work for the annual return?

Yes. For the annual return the icon is also "Resubmit", and the box reads "Corrected return – replaces your annual VAT return of {date}". The normal flow is in File the annual VAT return with VAT GPT.

What this means for you: The route is the same for VAT returns and the annual return.

How VAT GPT helps

  1. Upload or correct: You upload the missing receipt or correct the receipt.
  2. Check: VAT GPT recalculates the figures; you check them in the preview.
  3. Send: VAT GPT sets the correction marking; with VAT GPT Pro you send through ELSTER.

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

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I withdraw a VAT return? In VAT GPT you correct by sending a new return for the same period; whether a correction is needed is your decision.

Does the correction cost extra? VAT GPT charges nothing extra; sending is part of Pro.

Where does the form say it is a correction? The tax office receives a marker for the corrected return; VAT GPT sets it automatically.

What is a zero return? A return with no sales and no input VAT; examples are in File a zero VAT return.

Read next

Sources