In short: you file a VAT return in Odoo via Accounting → Reporting → Tax Report. Choose the period, check the boxes and submit directly and digitally via the built-in Digipoort connection — or download the XBRL and submit it yourself. The form is built automatically from the VAT codes on your invoices.
Every month or every quarter the same chore: adding up the boxes, retyping amounts into the Tax Administration's portal, and hoping you didn't overlook a line. It can be quicker. Odoo's Dutch localisation builds the VAT return automatically from your general ledger — right up to digital filing.
From VAT code to return form
The secret lies in the VAT codes on your invoices: high (21%), low (9%), 0%, intra-Community supplies and reverse-charged VAT. Every invoice line with the right code automatically falls into the right box of the return form (1a, 1b, 3b, 4a, and so on). Go to Accounting → Reporting → Tax Report, choose the period, and the form is ready. You then have two options:
- Download as XML/XBRL and file it yourself;
- File directly via the built-in Digipoort connection — no retyping, no portal.
Checking before you file
Automatically generated doesn't mean automatically correct. A wrong VAT code on one supplier or product category affects the entire period. So always run through these checks:
- First look at a preview and compare each box with the previous return. Does a box differ by more than 20% without a clear reason? Then there's probably a wrong VAT code on recent invoices.
- Click through from the box to the underlying entries — that way you find the culprit in minutes.
- Check that box 3b matches your EC Sales List (ICP); the Dutch Tax Administration matches the two.
Better to correct before filing than with a supplementary return afterwards.
Closing the period
After filing, use the Tax Lock Date (Accounting → Configuration → Settings) to lock the period you've declared. That way nobody can retroactively post an invoice in a period that's already been filed — the classic cause of reconciliation differences.
Veelgestelde vragen
Can Odoo file the VAT return with the Tax Administration automatically?
Yes. Via the built-in Digipoort connection you file the return digitally straight from Odoo, without retyping in the Tax Administration's portal.
Welke rubrieken vult Odoo automatisch in?
All boxes of the Dutch return form — including 1a (high rate), 1b (low rate), 3b (intra-Community supplies) and 4a/4b (reverse-charged VAT) — based on the VAT codes on your invoices.
How do I correct an error in a return that's already been filed?
You include small differences in the next return; larger corrections go via a supplementary return. Avoid errors by running through the preview checks above and locking the period after filing.
Finally
Practical tip: don't schedule the return on the deadline itself, but a week earlier; that leaves time to look into an odd amount calmly rather than in a panic. Would you like your VAT set-up and Digipoort integration checked? Contact DAADit Group.
In short: you file a VAT return in Odoo via Accounting → Reporting → Tax Report. Select the period, check the boxes and file digitally via the built-in Digipoort connection — or download the XBRL and file yourself. The form is built automatically from the VAT codes on your invoices.
Every month or quarter, the same chore: adding up boxes, retyping amounts into the Dutch Tax Authority's portal, and hoping you did not miss a line. It can be shorter. Odoo's Dutch localisation builds the VAT return automatically from your general ledger — all the way to digital filing.
From VAT code to return form
The secret is in the VAT codes on your invoices: high (21%), low (9%), 0%, intra-community supplies and reverse charge. Every invoice line with the correct code automatically lands in the right box of the return form (1a, 1b, 3b, 4a, and so on). Go to Accounting → Reporting → Tax Report, select the period, and the form is ready. You then have two options:
- Download it as XML/XBRL and file it yourself;
- File directly via the built-in Digipoort connection — no retyping, no portal.
Check before you file
Automatically generated does not mean automatically correct. One wrong VAT code on a supplier or product category ripples through the whole period. So always run these checks:
- Look at a preview first and compare each box with the previous return. Does a box deviate more than 20% without an obvious reason? Then a wrong VAT code on recent invoices is the likely culprit.
- Click through from the box to the underlying entries — you will find the offender in minutes.
- Check that box 3b reconciles with your EC Sales List (ICP); the tax authority matches those two.
Correcting before filing beats a supplementary return afterwards.
Lock the period
After filing, use the Tax Lock Date (Accounting → Configuration → Settings) to lock the declared period. That way nobody can retroactively book an invoice into an already-filed period — the classic cause of reconciliation differences.
Frequently asked questions
Can Odoo file the VAT return directly with the Dutch Tax Authority?
Yes. Via the built-in Digipoort connection you file straight from Odoo, without retyping anything in the portal.
Which boxes does Odoo fill automatically?
All boxes of the Dutch return form — including 1a, 1b, 3b and 4a/4b — based on the VAT codes on your invoices.
How do I correct a mistake in a filed return?
Small differences roll into the next return; larger corrections require a supplementary filing. Prevent mistakes with the preview checks above and lock the period after filing.
Wrapping up
Practical tip: do not schedule the return on the deadline itself but a week earlier; that leaves time to calmly investigate an odd number instead of panicking. Want your VAT setup and Digipoort connection reviewed? Contact DAADit Group.