Home VAT/Sales Tax Reconciliation How do I create a new VAT / sales tax reconciliation?

How do I create a new VAT / sales tax reconciliation?

Last updated on May 18, 2026

Short Answer: Select 'VAT / sales tax reconciliation', upload your VAT statement and books file, enter 'Tax account name', then click 'Run reconciliation'.

PreRequisites

  1. Signed in to CleverBalance

  2. VAT / sales tax statement file ready CSV, XLS, or XLSX

  3. Books / Books of accounts file ready CSV, XLS, or XLSX

Steps

  1. Open the New reconciliation page and confirm you see 'Select reconciliation type' and the two file upload cards.
    'New reconciliation' page is visible with upload areas for VAT and Books.

  2. Under 'Select reconciliation type' choose or confirm 'VAT / sales tax reconciliation'.
    The dropdown shows 'VAT / sales tax reconciliation'.

  3. In the 'VAT / sales tax statement' card click 'Edit' to attach or replace your VAT statement or confirm the displayed filename.
    VAT statement filename appears in the card e.g., 'UK_VAT_Return.xlsx'.

  4. In the 'Books / Books of accounts' card drag & drop your file onto 'Drag & drop your file here' or click 'Upload file' and select your file.
    Books file is uploaded and the filename appears in the card.

  5. Type the name you want to use into the 'Tax account name' field.
    'Tax account name' contains the name you entered.

  6. Optional: Click 'View sample data format' to confirm required columns and formatting for uploads.
    You can review the sample data format to match your file columns.

  7. Click the orange 'Run reconciliation' button at the top-right.
    Reconciliation starts or you are taken to the mapping/results screens.

Troubleshooting

  1. Clicking 'Run reconciliation' does nothing or the process doesn't start.
    LikelyCause: A required file or the 'Tax account name' is missing, or a file is an unsupported format or too large.
    Action: Upload both VAT and Books files in CSV/XLS/XLSX, ensure each file is <100MB, fill 'Tax account name', then click 'Run reconciliation' again.

  2. Uploaded file does not appear in the upload card.
    LikelyCause: Upload failed or the page needs a refresh.
    Action: Refresh the page and re-upload using 'Edit' VAT card or 'Upload file' Books card.

  3. The system asks you to map fields before reconciling.
    LikelyCause: The app requires mapping required fields between the statement and books before running reconciliation.
    Action: Complete the mapping step that appears after upload, then re-run the reconciliation.