I have been using QuickFile since 2019 and have used the VAT connection to submit VAT returns automatically for some years. My permission for HMRC/QF to connect to each other expired in April but I renewed it (the standard 18 months expiration and have renewed before).
Forward to today 24 July… I have just tried to submit Q1 VAT return but the message I get is:
Client not Authorised
The account you have linked to QuickFile is not authorised to access or file VAT information for the VAT registration xxxxxx (redacted) . This error usually occurs due to one of the following reasons:
The wrong account has been linked (e.g. a personal tax account rather than the organisation’s tax account)
The VAT registration number has not been correctly entered.
The organisation is not fully enrolled for Making Tax Digital (MTD)
You can find more information in our HMRC troubleshooting guide here
I have most definitely used the correct VAT number and renewed as I have before. I waited 24hrs from trying to renew the connection via again yesterday. I am still getting the same issue i.e. “failed” status.
Any help/guidance would be very much appreciated. Can’t currently submit my VAT return.
Hi Steve
Thanks so much for replying. That is kind as I’m pulling my hair out!
I have definitely used the correct VAT number, using the correct account (only have one) and been registered for MTD since 2019 so have done a lot of returns.
I had an email from QF back in April after I’d completed the Q4 VAT return in April. I renewed the permissions with HMRC and thought nothing further of it. It was only on Wednesday when I attempted to do the Q1 return that this all occurred.i went onto HMRC website to give permission again but it hasn’t worked.
I called HMRC this morning and (surprise!) they say it’s not at their end.
Any help would be so gratefully received. ….
Carolyn
Rather than renewing the existing permission, often the way to fix inexplicable errors like this is to completely remove the existing HMRC connection from the QuickFile end and then set up a new connection from scratch in its place. This won’t (and can’t) affect any returns you’ve already submitted so it’s perfectly safe.
Hi Steve
Sorry, not sure if your reply was a duplicate? I had tried all the suggestions already. Can i try anything else? At the moment I cannot submit the return.
The status on the HMRC sections of the reports menu says I connected on 24Jul (correct, as tried to give permissions again); the status is “failed”; the VAT link has a tick under it; the disconnect text has a cross under it.
If I click the view link it takes me to a page asking me to disconnect (therefore assume I am connected) and then two links under a VAT heading whish are
VAT obligations
VAT liabilities, etc
I have made returns via QF since 2019and never had a problem at all.
Thanks again
DRC1
Sorry, also, do I use the disconnect link QF is offering? If not, where do I go to do that?
Not a newbie to this but business is very small and don’t have to use it much!
Can’t get on to HMRC to reconnect until later. However, since disconnecting I have been able to access and prepare the Q1 VAT return, just can’t send it yet. At least i have it prepared and saved so will hopefully be able to send if/when the reconnect works.
Will respond again later.
Thank you for the help so far!
Sorry to break it to you… if it’s showing as “saved” then you’re going to have to roll it back, then re-create it once you’ve reconnected the HMRC account - the submission to HMRC happens at the point when you save the return, it’s not possible in QuickFile to move a return from “saved” to “submitted”.
Nope.
Just did that using this QF link for instructions (HMRC Tax Accounts). The HMRC page asked for Government Gateway info which I inputted and sent 2FA code which I entered.
The only option given was to either give or remove permission. There was no option to “connect”.
I obvs chose to give permission. However, the status is still failed and I cannot get into the returns again.
Here’s a screenshot of what I get AFTER disconnecting and giving permission via HMRC again…
ALL details are correct i.e. not the wrong account, VAT number is correct and I am fully enrolled for MTD
I am at a loss…
Is there an idiots guide to completely remove the existing HMRC connection from the QuickFile end and then set up a new connection from scratch in its place? I’m obviously doing something wrong I think. Sorry to be needy!
Once this has done, the connection will be completely broken and would need to be reset.
If the account you’ve connected is the correct account (with access to VAT submissions for that business), and the VAT number is correct, and you’re still seeing the error, you may need to contact the HMRC VAT helpline to see if there’s anything preventing the authorisation on their end.
Unfortunately, HMRC do not return any further information to us other than the error message you’re seeing (“Client not authorised”).
Hi Mathew
Thanks so much for this. I have already disconnected via the link on your screenshot (at least twice) but hadn’t revoked permission on the HMRC end so will go and do that now.
I spoke to HMRC VAT helpline last week but they said there wasn’t anything they could do as it “wasn’t from their end”.
let’s see if that works. I really do appreciate the help.
DRC1
| 
