Creating a VAT Period

This page shows you how to create a VAT reporting period so Beam Machine has the date window it needs before anyone generates a VAT201.

Product: Beam Machine
Module: Tax / VAT Periods
Role: Bookkeeper, Accountant, Tax Preparer
Difficulty: Beginner
Time: 3 minutes
Last Updated: 2026-03-10
Version: Current Beam Machine app build in this repo

Before You Start

• You need access to Tax -> VAT Periods.
• You need to know the exact VAT cycle name and reporting dates.
• Read ../tax-guides/01-understanding-vat-periods-and-vat201.md if you need the wider VAT workflow first.

What is a VAT period?

A VAT period is the reporting window Beam Machine uses for VAT preparation. The system needs this period before you can generate or manage a VAT return for that cycle.

When do you use this?

Use this when the next VAT cycle needs to be opened in Beam Machine, or when an existing period is missing.

If the dates are wrong, the later VAT work will be attached to the wrong reporting window.

Where to find it

Primary path: Finance -> Tax -> VAT Periods
Route: /dashboard/tax/vat-periods

How to create a VAT period

1. Open Tax from the left sidebar.
2. Click VAT Periods.
3. Click Create VAT Period.
4. In Period Name, enter the label you want users to recognize later.
5. In Start Date, enter the opening date for the VAT cycle.
6. In End Date, enter the closing date for the VAT cycle.
7. Review the dates carefully.
8. Click Create Period.

✅ Checkpoint: The dialog should close and the new period should appear in the table.

9. Confirm the new row shows the correct Period, Start, and End values.
10. Confirm the row is now available for the next VAT step.

What happens next: The VAT period exists, but there is still no VAT201 until someone generates it.

Common Questions & Issues

"I created the period but there is no VAT201 yet"

Why this happens: Creating the period only sets up the reporting window.

Fix: Continue to 05-generating-a-vat201-return.md when the transactions are ready.

"The dates look wrong after save"

Why this happens: The wrong start date or end date was entered in the create dialog.

Fix: Stop and correct the period before anyone uses it for VAT work.

"I cannot find the Create VAT Period button"

Why this happens: You may be on VAT Returns instead of VAT Periods.

Fix: Go back to Tax -> VAT Periods. The create action lives on that route.

What's Next

• 05-generating-a-vat201-return.md
• 13-finalizing-and-submitting-a-vat-return.md

Related Pages

• ../tax-guides/01-understanding-vat-periods-and-vat201.md
• ../modules/05-working-in-tax.md
• ../99-functionality-gap-map.md

SA Compliance Reference

• VAT periods support accurate VAT preparation and filing control. Follow your firm's VAT calendar and review process before treating a period as ready.

Still Stuck?

• Check ../98-screen-map.md to confirm the route.
• Check ../99-functionality-gap-map.md if the tax area behaves differently in your environment.
• Contact support: support@veva.co.za

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