If your VAT Return period dropdown is empty or shows no options to select, it’s usually because you’re in the Reports > VAT Returns section rather than the area used to create a new VAT return.

1. Where You Are: Reports > VAT Returns

When you go to Reports > VAT Returns:

• This section is only for viewing VAT returns that have already been run on the account.
• It does not allow you to create or run a new VAT return.
• If no VAT returns have been run yet, the dropdown/period list will be empty, because there are no existing returns to report on.

So an empty dropdown here simply means:

You’re looking at the reporting screen for past VAT returns, not the screen to generate a new one.

2. How to Run a New VAT Return

To create/run a new VAT return, you need to go to the VAT Returns function in the General Ledger area:

1. Go to General Ledger.
2. Select VAT Returns.
3. Click New.
4. Choose the VAT period/dates you want to run.
5. Generate the VAT return from there.

This screen is where BrightBooks:

• Calculates the VAT for the selected period.
• Creates the new VAT return record.
• After it’s created, it will then appear in Reports > VAT Returns for future viewing.

3. Summary

• Empty dropdown in Reports > VAT Returns = you’re in the view‑only area for existing VAT returns, and none have been run yet (or you’re not meant to create new ones there).
• To run a new VAT return, go to:
  General Ledger > VAT Returns > New.

Once you’ve run at least one VAT return via General Ledger, you’ll see those periods available in Reports > VAT Returns for reporting and review.