setting default VAT (Sales Tax for non UK) value

[andy_25]

Hi,

I am creating an Invoicing database for a friend. In the Invoice table there is a field for VAT(%). When a new Invoice is entered I would like the form to show VAT at its current rate (15).

I have created a table VAT_Rate with a field VAT. Is it possible to point the default value to this field? Therefore the user can just change that value and not have to keep entering it in an invoice everytime.

Thanks,

Andy

 

[missinglinq]

Assuming this is a single record table, as it sounds

DLookup("VAT", "VAT_Rate")

will give you the VAT.

This is one of those situations where "experts" will differ in their opinions about whether or not to store either the calculated value of the VAT or the actual VAT value in the invoice records. Most developers that I've had conversations with who do financial type apps do, in fact, do exactly as you're doing. They store the current VAT in a single-record table and then store it in each invoice record. The other options, which most consider too complicated to use, would be to have an effective date for the VAT, and anytime an invoice is viewed or printed, check the date of the invoice and then figure out which VAT value is effective for that date.

 

[andy_25]

Thanks a lot for your response missinglinq.

For the life of me I could not figure that out. Sometimes the simple things can illude me, appologies.

My thinking behind storing the vat rate in just for simplicity reasons really. The VAT can be calculated then as and when needed i.e. in the reports.

 

[missinglinq]

Glad to help!