The Novus VAT portal project was initiated in 2019 with the aim of facilitating local councils in the seamless submission of their VAT Returns to HMRC, in compliance with the Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative. This initiative, introduced by HMRC, mandated businesses and organizations above the VAT threshold to maintain digital records and submit their VAT Returns electronically.

The Novus VAT portal provided a comprehensive solution tailored to the specific needs of local authorities. One of the key features of the portal was its ability to streamline the entire process, from initial data entry to final submission. Councils could follow a structured approval process within the portal, ensuring that all necessary checks and balances were in place before submission to HMRC.

Additionally, the portal incorporated sophisticated error detection and correction mechanisms, enabling councils to identify and rectify mistakes in their VAT Returns efficiently. This not only helped in maintaining accurate records but also reduced the risk of errors that could lead to penalties or fines from HMRC.

Overall, the Novus VAT portal played a crucial role in simplifying VAT compliance for local authorities, empowering them to meet their obligations under the MTD initiative with ease and confidence. By providing a user-friendly interface and robust functionalities, the portal contributed to enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in VAT reporting processes for councils across the UK.