If you receive an error message when attempting to grant authority or submit a VAT return, it is usually because of a mismatch between your software and HMRC’s records. Most issues can be resolved by checking your credentials or waiting for the HMRC system to update.
Below are the most common error messages you might see and how to resolve them:
Error Message / Code | What it means | How to resolve |
| HMRC does not recognise the link between your account and the VAT number. | Check you are using the correct Government Gateway ID for the VAT account you are needing to submit for, when granting authority. Unauthorise and then re-authorise using the correct details. Tip: Login to your HMRC account outside of the software to make sure you are using the correct credentials. |
| HMRC’s servers are temporarily busy, under maintenance, or offline. | Wait 30 minutes and try again. If it persists, check the official HMRC service availability page. |
| The digital connection (token) between your software and HMRC has expired. | Re-authorise your connection from the VAT>VAT Returns page. |
| A return has already been submitted for this period. | Check your HMRC business tax account to see if the return was already filed. |
| HMRC could not find any active VAT periods for this business. | Verify your MTD registration status. It can take up to 72 hours after registration to go live. |
| The return period requested does not match the open obligations on HMRC's servers. | Ensure the period you are trying to file matches the "Open" obligation in your HMRC portal. |
| The VAT number entered in your settings is incorrect. | Check your VAT Registration Number (VRN) in your company settings for any typos. |
Still having trouble?
If you have checked the items above and are still unable to submit your return:
Check the HMRC Service Availability page to ensure there isn't a known outage.
Contact our support team with the exact error message you received, and we will be happy to investigate further for you.