Tax Report
Overview
The Tax Report summarizes the VAT/GST you have collected from customers and paid to suppliers over a specific period. It helps you prepare your tax returns and understand your tax obligations.
Why this matters:
VAT/GST is money you collect on behalf of the government — it is not your revenue. You must remit it to the tax authority on time or face penalties. The Tax Report shows exactly how much you owe (or are owed if you paid more VAT than you collected).
What you can do with this report:
- Calculate your VAT/GST liability for any period
- Prepare your tax return with accurate figures
- Export data for your accountant
- Track tax collected and paid by category
How to Access the Report
- Log in to your autoGMS dashboard.
- From the sidebar, click Financial Reporting.
- Select this report directly from the section list.
- Select Tax Report.
The report shows the current quarter by default.
Understanding VAT/GST
How It Works
When you sell services or parts:
- You charge VAT/GST on top of your prices
- This is Output Tax — you collected it from customers
When you buy parts or services:
- You pay VAT/GST to suppliers
- This is Input Tax — you paid it to vendors
Your Net VAT Liability = Output Tax - Input Tax
- Positive result: You owe this amount to the tax authority
- Negative result: You are owed a refund (more common for businesses with large purchases)
Reading the Report
Period Selection
Select the tax period you need to report:
- This Month / Last Month
- This Quarter / Last Quarter
- Custom Date Range
Match this to your tax filing period (monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on your jurisdiction).
Summary Section
| Row | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Total Sales (Excl. Tax) | Total revenue before tax |
| Output Tax (VAT Collected) | Tax charged to customers |
| Total Purchases (Excl. Tax) | Total expenses before tax |
| Input Tax (VAT Paid) | Tax paid to suppliers |
| Net VAT Payable | Output Tax minus Input Tax — what you owe |
Output Tax Breakdown
Shows tax collected by category:
| Category | Sales Amount | Tax Rate | Tax Collected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Revenue | £10,000 | 20% | £2,000 |
| Parts Revenue | £5,000 | 20% | £1,000 |
| Total | £15,000 | £3,000 |
Input Tax Breakdown
Shows tax paid by category:
| Category | Purchase Amount | Tax Rate | Tax Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parts Purchases | £3,000 | 20% | £600 |
| Equipment | £1,000 | 20% | £200 |
| Utilities | £500 | 5% | £25 |
| Total | £4,500 | £825 |
Net Calculation
Output Tax (Collected): £3,000
- Input Tax (Paid): £ 825
= Net VAT Payable: £2,175
You owe £2,175 to the tax authority for this period.
Common Tax Scenarios
Standard Operations
Most garages collect more tax than they pay out, resulting in a net payment to the tax authority each period.
Large Equipment Purchase
If you buy expensive equipment, the input tax on that purchase may exceed your output tax for the period, resulting in a refund.
Zero-Rated or Exempt Sales
Some sales may be zero-rated or exempt from VAT. These appear in the report but do not generate output tax.
Preparing Your Tax Return
Step 1: Select the Correct Period
Make sure the date range matches your tax filing period exactly.
Step 2: Review the Figures
- Output Tax — Verify this includes all taxable sales
- Input Tax — Verify this includes all claimable purchases
- Net VAT — This is the amount for your return
Step 3: Export the Data
Click Export to download:
- PDF — For records and filing
- CSV — For detailed analysis or importing into tax software
Step 4: File Your Return
Use the figures from this report to complete your tax return. Keep the exported report as supporting documentation.
Tax Rates
Your garage may deal with multiple tax rates:
| Rate Type | Typical Rate | Example Items |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | 20% (UK), 5% (UAE) | Most services and parts |
| Reduced Rate | Varies | Certain goods (depends on jurisdiction) |
| Zero Rate | 0% | Certain exports, specific goods |
| Exempt | N/A | Some financial services, certain goods |
The Tax Report breaks down transactions by applicable rate.
Methodology
Click the Methodology button in the report header to see how VAT/GST is calculated, what rates are applied, and how claimable vs non-recoverable amounts are determined. The report adapts its terminology (VAT, GST, etc.) based on your garage's region.
Export Options
Click Export to download:
| Format | Best For |
|---|---|
| Filing with your tax return, records | |
| CSV | Importing into tax software, detailed analysis |
Keep exports for at least 6 years (or as required by your jurisdiction) for audit purposes.
Tips and Best Practices
-
Generate the report before filing. Give yourself time to review and investigate any issues.
-
Compare to prior periods. Large changes in tax liability may indicate errors or unusual transactions.
-
Verify large purchases. Major equipment purchases should show up in input tax. If missing, check that invoices were recorded correctly.
-
Keep records. Store copies of all tax reports and the invoices/receipts that support them.
-
Consult your accountant. Tax rules vary by jurisdiction. If you are unsure about anything, ask your accountant before filing.
-
File on time. Late filings incur penalties and interest. Know your deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my input tax exceeds output tax?
You are due a refund from the tax authority. This commonly happens when you make a large purchase (like new equipment). Follow your tax authority's refund process.
What transactions are not included in this report?
Tax-exempt transactions and transactions recorded without tax codes may not appear. Review your transaction recording practices if figures seem low.
How do I handle corrections from prior periods?
If you need to correct a prior period's tax return, consult your accountant. Some corrections can be made in the current period; others require amended returns.
What records should I keep?
Keep all invoices (sales and purchases) that support the figures in this report. Most jurisdictions require 6+ years of records.
Does this report work for all countries?
The report shows VAT/GST data based on your garage's configuration. Tax rates and rules vary by country; consult local regulations for filing requirements.
What if my tax rate changed mid-period?
Transactions are recorded with the tax rate that applied when they occurred. The report breaks down by rate, so you can see transactions at different rates.