Preview, approve and submit: the difference

Preparing a VAT return has separate stages. Only the last one sends anything to HMRC.

Stage	What it is	Reaches HMRC?
Preview	A read-only look at how invoices are classified. Not saved as a return.	No
Calculation	A saved VAT return for a period, with the nine boxes, validation and reconciliation checks.	No
Approval	A person confirms the figures are correct.	No
Submission	The approved return is sent to HMRC after a declaration.	Yes

Statuses you will see

• Draft or calculated: a return exists but has not been reviewed.
• Ready for review: the checks passed. It can be approved.
• Validation failed: something needs attention before it can be approved. See Resolving validation errors.
• Approved: ready to submit.
• Submission pending: a submission is in progress.
• Submitted or accepted: filed with HMRC. The receipt is in the submission history.
• Rejected: HMRC rejected it. Correct the cause and recalculate the period.
• Submission outcome uncertain: see An uncertain submission.

The environment (sandbox or production) is shown on every page, so it is always clear whether a submission is a test.