What’s new in OpenTax – Client notifications are here

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Keep your clients on track

Managing client deadlines for VAT and PAYE can be time-consuming. That’s why we’ve launched client notifications in OpenTax – an automated way to send your clients reminders about key VAT and PAYE payment deadlines.

    • Prevent late payments without constant follow-up.
    • Save time spent chasing clients manually.
    • Keep clients informed with automated notifications on upcoming payments due, outstanding balances, and newly filed returns.

What notifications will your clients receive?

If you turn notifications on, here’s exactly what gets sent to your clients:

VAT return submitted

Sent whenever a VAT return is filed, this notification details the VAT amount the client has to pay to HMRC (or is due to be refunded by HMRC), and the deadline for the payment.

For clients expecting a VAT refund, notifications include a small note about InstantVAT.

VAT payment reminder

Sent 7 days before a VAT payment is due, this notification reminds clients of the amount they need to pay and the due date, helping them avoid late payment penalties.

The notification also contains a link taking them directly to HMRC’s website to make the payment.

VAT payment overdue

Sent 3 days after a VAT payment deadline has been missed. This notification alerts your clients about the overdue payment and the action they need to take to avoid further penalties.

The notification also contains a link taking them directly to HMRC’s website to make the payment.

VAT refund verified

Sent as soon as HMRC has verified the VAT return and approved your client’s VAT refund. This notification informs clients that their refund has been approved and will be paid to them in due course.

The notification includes a small note about InstantVAT at the bottom of the notification.

VAT refund in compliance

Sent when HMRC has opened a compliance inquiry into your client’s VAT return. This notification informs clients that their refund is under review and provides further details about the process.

Coming soon...

We’re adding Direct Debit reminders into client notifications, so keep an eye out for further updates!

How to get started

Follow these steps to import your client contact details and start sending time-sensitive reminders & HMRC alerts to prevent late payments and keep clients informed at every stage.

Log in to your OpenTax account

Log in to your account and head over to the “Clients” section.

Import your client's contact details from QuickBooks or Xero

Import your clients’ contact details from QuickBooks or Xero. This will keep all contacts synced if you update your clients’ contact details and avoid the need for any manual inputs.

OpenTax won’t edit or change anything in your QuickBooks or Xero accounts. If you don’t want to connect your QuickBooks or Xero account you can skip this step and add your clients’ contact details manually.

 

Turn on client notifications

Once your clients’ contact details have been successfully imported from your QuickBooks or Xero account, you’ll see a message with a button at the bottom to turn on notifications for your clients!

You can manage each client’s notifications individually in the “Clients” section of your OpenTax account.

Add contact details manually

If you want to add or edit your client’s contact details, click the three dots on the right of each client and press “Edit” and you will be able to add or update the contact details for each client individually.

Any changes you make in OpenTax will not update your QuickBooks or Xero accounts.