Home VAT/Sales Tax Reconciliation Transaction counts or amounts don't match my accounting system — what should I check?

Transaction counts or amounts don't match my accounting system — what should I check?

Last updated on May 18, 2026

Short Answer: Check the reconciliation timestamp and Recon ID, run 'Run new reconciliation', then inspect the 'Matched' and 'Unmatched' lists to find discrepancies.

PreRequisites

  1. Access to this VAT / sales tax reconciliation report

  2. Ability to run a new reconciliation if permitted

Steps

  1. Check the Recon ID and timestamp at the top-right to confirm when this reconciliation was generated.
    You know whether the report is current or stale.

  2. Click 'Run new reconciliation' to refresh the data for the 'Tax account name'.
    A fresh reconciliation run begins and may adjust counts/amounts.

  3. Open the 'Matched' and 'Unmatched' tabs and inspect individual rows to identify which transactions differ between VAT and Books.
    You identify specific unmatched or discrepant entries.

  4. If differences remain, reconcile the data in your accounting system or source of statements and re-run the reconciliation until figures align.
    You have a reproducible path to correct source data or explain recon differences.

Troubleshooting

  1. After re-running, numbers still differ from the source system.
    LikelyCause: Timing differences, missing transactions in source data, or differences in how amounts are recorded tax vs net.
    Action: Compare row-level data in the 'Matched' and 'Unmatched' lists to locate the exact transactions; correct source records and repeat reconciliation.

  2. You cannot run a new reconciliation to refresh data.
    LikelyCause: Lack of permission to start reconciliations.
    Action: Request run permission for the 'Tax account name' from your CleverBalance admin or have an authorized colleague run it.

Note: Use the Recon ID and timestamp as a reference when investigating differences or asking for support.