VAT Panic

[Twebs]

Afternoon All. I use Quickfile to submit VAT returns for my company and am registered for MTD. I’ve just gone to create the July - Sept return and it hasn’t let me. States needs to re-authorise with the HMRC. I believe I have done this but it still says I am unauthorised to create returns for this account. Does it just need time to re-authorise with HMRC again or am I in trouble? Only 5 days left to submit the return so a bit of a panic.

Thanks in advance

[ian_roberts]

Have you by any chance been submitting MTD returns for around 18 months?

There are many threads along these lines over the past few weeks, essentially the authorisation you grant for QuickFile to submit MTD VAT returns only lasts for 18 months at a time. When it runs out you must “disconnect” your existing tax account (or accounts) under reports -> HMRC in QuickFile, then “connect” again. This will issue a new authorisation token valid for the next 18 months.

Two key points:

• you must disconnect the expired authorisation first - it won’t work if you leave the expired one connected, even if your renewed one is also connected as well
• if you have more than one government gateway account then be sure you’re connecting the right one. Some people have one gateway account that is authorised for VAT and a separate one for personal taxes, double check you’re connecting the VAT one. If in doubt actively sign out of tax.service.gov.uk before you hit the connect button in QuickFile

[Twebs]

Life saver. Worked a treat. Many thanks.