| Overview |
If BTCSoftware is showing a message such as 'No template found' or the CT return cannot be opened, this means a Corporation Tax template has not been assigned to the task. Assigning a template is a required step before a CT return can be opened and worked on.
| How to Assign a Corporation Tax Template |
- Open the CT return task in BTCSoftware.
- Go to the Summary or Task Details tab.
- Locate the Template or CT Template field.
- Select the appropriate template from the dropdown — see the template guide below.
- Click Save.
- Click Open Corporation Tax Return — the return will now open.
| Which Template Should I Choose? |
BTCSoftware offers two CT return templates. Choosing the wrong one is the most common cause of CT errors — in particular the net book value error on the tangible fixed assets page.
| Template | Use For | Do Not Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Express | Standard trading companies — the vast majority of CT returns. No deferred tax, loan relationships, or intangible fixed assets. | Companies with deferred tax, loan relationships, intangible fixed assets, or investment business management expenses |
| Advanced | Companies with deferred tax, loan relationships, intangible fixed assets, management expenses allocation, or let property capital allowances | Standard trading companies without these features |
| ✔ Tip: When in doubt, use the Express template. The overwhelming majority of standard trading company CT returns can be completed using Express. Only switch to Advanced if you encounter a specific field or schedule that is unavailable in Express. |
| What If I Selected the Wrong Template? |
The template cannot be changed after data has been entered. If you have selected the wrong template and need to change it:
- In the CT return task, click Discard from the options menu.
- Go to the Task List and permanently delete the discarded task.
- Create a new CT return task for the same client and period.
- This time, select the correct template before opening the return.
- Re-enter the return data.
| ⚠ Important: Deleting a task is permanent. Before deleting, note down all figures you have already entered so you can re-enter them in the new task. |
| Troubleshooting |
I selected Advanced and am now getting a net book value error
This is caused by the Advanced template expecting tangible fixed asset entries that have not been made. The fix is to discard and recreate the task using the Express template, as described above.
The template dropdown is empty - no options are showing
- Check that your BTCSoftware subscription includes Corporation Tax. If CT is not part of your licence, the template options will not appear.
- Contact support to confirm your licence includes CT and to add it if necessary.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: Can I use the same template for all my clients?
A: Yes — for most practices, the Express template covers the vast majority of clients. You only need to use Advanced for clients with specific features such as deferred tax or loan relationships.
Q: Does the template choice affect what is submitted to HMRC?
A: Yes. The template determines which schedules and CT600 supplementary pages are available. Choosing the wrong template can result in missing or incorrect sections.
Q: My client has intangible assets — which template should I use?
A: Use the Advanced template for clients with intangible fixed assets (including goodwill). The Advanced template includes the intangible fixed assets schedule, which is not available in Express.