Which of the following must be included in a VAT return?

The requirement for a VAT return is that it must provide an accurate account of the business's taxable activities for the reporting period. This includes the total sales made, total purchases incurred, output tax due on sales, and the input tax that the business can reclaim. This information is essential for determining the VAT liability of the business to the tax authorities.

Total sales and purchases reflect the business's activities during the period, while output tax due and input tax allow the business to calculate how much VAT it needs to pay or reclaim. Including these details ensures compliance with VAT regulations and accurate reporting of the business’s financial position concerning indirect taxes. Other elements like loans, employee compensations, or predictions about future sales are not relevant for the VAT return and thus are not required in this context. This focus on actual taxable transactions and liabilities is crucial for both the business and VAT administration.