# Can AccountsOS file my French VAT return?

Last updated: 27 October 2026
Country: France
Category: Compliance

**Quick answer:** No. AccountsOS prepares the CA3 figures from your books. You, or your expert-comptable, file and pay in your espace professionnel on impots.gouv.fr.

## Detailed explanation

## What happens

Finn keeps the VAT ledger, checks the rates and works out the CA3 amounts. She sets the deadline on your calendar and reminds you before it falls due.

## What you do

Filing and payment are electronic: the business files in its espace professionnel, or an expert-comptable files by EDI. Payment is by SEPA B2B direct debit.

## Why

The DGFiP offers no API for filing a VAT return. Only the espace professionnel and the EDI partners can file.

## Before you file

Check that each sale carries the right rate (20%, 10%, 5.5% or 2.1%), that VAT on a passenger car has not been deducted, and that intra-EU purchases are included. Finn flags these in the figures she prepares, and your expert-comptable can review the draft before it goes in.

Source: https://www.impots.gouv.fr/professionnel/tva

## Real-world examples

### Monthly CA3

Finn prepares the figures and you key them in or hand them to your expert-comptable.

## Common mistakes to avoid

- Expecting the software to file
- Not checking the figures before filing

## Frequently asked questions

### Does AccountsOS pay the VAT?

No. Payment is a direct debit from your bank.

## Practical tips

- Review the figures a few days before the window

## Related questions

- [When is my French VAT return (CA3) due?](https://accounts-os.com/fr/questions/when-is-my-ca3-vat-return-due)