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MTD VAT Returns for OpenCart 2.3, 3.x and 4.x — UK VAT returns from the admin

UK VAT returns from the OpenCart admin: boxes from orders, filing through the HMRC API, receipts. Pro adds purchases, adjustments, Flat Rate and the VAT account. Tested in the HMRC sandbox, no real filing yet.

Pro · lifetime licence Staging copies are included. The more sites, the cheaper each one
Compatibility
OpenCart 2.3.0.x · 3.0.x · 4.0.2 – 4.1.x · module language: English
PHP
7.0 or newer
Version
v1.0.0 (OpenCart 4)
v1.0.0 (OpenCart 3.x)
v1.0.0 (OpenCart 2.3)
Licence
a site + a staging copy, lifetime
Trial
7 days, no card, one per site
Updated
November 2026
Or all 395 Pro modules with All Access — 4 990 ₴ / year ≈ €98

What Free has,
and what Pro adds

The free version works with no time limit. Pro adds the rest of the features in the table.

Feature Free Pro
Link to HMRC through your own application: sandbox and live ✔ ✔
VAT periods and due dates from HMRC ✔ ✔
Boxes 1 and 6 from orders and full refunds ✔ ✔
Edit any box before filing ✔ ✔
Declaration, filing and receipt ✔ ✔
Activity log and filed returns ✔ ✔
Purchases and CSV import for boxes 4, 7 and 9 — ✔
Adjustments with reasons — ✔
Flat Rate Scheme — ✔
Northern Ireland figures for boxes 2, 8 and 9 — ✔
Liabilities, payments and past returns from HMRC — ✔
CSV of the records of a return — ✔

What it looks like

Reviewing the return before filing
Reviewing the return before filing (2)
The boxes, the declaration and where the figures come from. HMRC sandbox
Boxes with purchases in Pro

Key points

Who it is for

Shoppers see nothing: the module works in the admin only. It suits a shop with standard VAT accounting in pounds.

What the admin gets

The module shows the periods from HMRC, works out the boxes from orders and shows where each figure comes from.

How much it costs

The base version is free. Pro costs 1 290 UAH, a one-time payment for a lifetime licence.

The trial starts when you ask

A fresh install is the free version, nothing switches on by itself. The “Try Pro for 7 days” button → e-mail → the key right in the window and by e-mail.

One key — a site and a staging copy

Moving the site? Unlink the licence on the old domain and activate it on the new one yourself. A staging copy (staging., dev.) works with the same key and does not take a site slot. For studios — keys for 5 or 25 sites, or unlimited.

Technical requirements

  • OpenCart 2.3.0.x, 3.0.x or 4.0.2 – 4.1.x, PHP 7.0+.
  • UK VAT registration and prices in pounds.
  • For real filing: your own HMRC Developer Hub application with production access.
  • A shop on HTTPS.

Version history

v1.0.0 Current November 2026

For OpenCart 2.3, 3.x and 4.x: boxes from orders, filing through the HMRC API, receipts.

Frequently bought with MTD VAT Returns

All Access Need more? All modules (395) under one licence, new ones are added automatically. 4 990 ₴≈ €98 Learn more →

Full module description

MTD VAT Returns prepares the UK VAT return in the OpenCart admin and files it through the HMRC API (Making Tax Digital). Separate builds for 2.3, 3.x and 4.x. It is for shops registered for VAT in the UK.

It is a calculation tool, not tax advice. We do not promise compliance with the law, and the taxpayer is responsible for the figures. Show the result to your accountant before the first filing. HMRC has not reviewed or approved this module.

There has been no real filing yet. The module passed the HMRC sandbox on all three builds, and real returns need production access, which HMRC itself grants. Right now that means your own application on the HMRC Developer Hub, which HMRC checks one by one. The connection through CatCode is not open yet.

Who it is for

Shoppers see nothing: the module works in the admin only. It suits a shop with standard VAT accounting in pounds. Boxes 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9 start at zero in the free version and you enter them from your own records.

What the admin gets

The module shows the periods from HMRC, works out the boxes from orders and shows where each figure comes from. Before filing you can change any box, and the declaration needs its own tick. After filing a receipt stays, and a filed return cannot be changed from here.

How it works, step by step

  1. Create an application on the HMRC Developer Hub and enter its details in the module.
  2. Link the business to HMRC: in the sandbox first.
  3. Pick a period: the module works out the boxes from orders.
  4. Check the figures with your accountant.
  5. Confirm the declaration, file and keep the receipt.

Under the hood

  • Tokens are stored encrypted in the shop database.
  • The shop calls HMRC directly with the fraud prevention headers HMRC asks for.
  • A filed return is not changed by the module.
  • Own tables, core templates stay as they are.

How to install

  1. Extensions → Installer: upload the archive for your version and keep the file name.
  2. OpenCart 2.3: the Installer copies files only with FTP enabled. Without FTP copy the contents of upload/ to the shop root by hand.
  3. OpenCart 2.3 and 3.x: Extensions → Modifications → Refresh.
  4. Extensions → Modules → MTD VAT Returns → install button → Edit.
  5. Module → Settings tab: enter the VAT number and the application details.
  6. Link the business in sandbox mode first.
  7. For Pro: paste the key or start the 7-day trial.

Questions
about the module

Didn't find the answer? Message us on Telegram and we'll reply within a business day.

@catcode_support Setup, compatibility, activation
Can I file with HMRC for real already?

Only through your own HMRC Developer Hub application that HMRC has given production access. The connection through CatCode is not open yet. This module has not made a real filing yet.

Does the module replace an accountant?

No. It is a calculation tool. Show the figures to your accountant, especially before the first filing.

Has HMRC approved this module?

No, HMRC has not reviewed or approved it.

What does the free version work out?

Boxes 1 and 6 from orders, the rest you enter by hand. Purchases and import for boxes 4, 7 and 9 are in Pro.

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