Getting a little bit concerned as the deadline approaches for submitting 1Q VAT return for 3 new clients where I don't have the online ID/authority from HMRC yet.
These are new clients for me and in each case the previous accountant submitted the last VAT returns for the client but they have been very slow getting the required information to me to allow me to do the online submissions.
I have submitted paper 64-8's to HMRC for VAT and also submitted the 64-8s on line to try to get a quicker response.
What can I do if the ID's and authorisations don't come through to me in time? Is there any way VAT returns can be submitted without them?
Very frustrating.
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Replies (16)
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new login
Create a new online account in the client's name and you can file straightaway - with their permission of course!
Perhaps they already have a login anyway?
If they already have a login but can't remember it you can get them to call hmrc to reset it
If you've sent the 64-8's then you'll just have to wait until you get authority. Although the deadline is approaching to file them you're unable to do so until you get the authority code. If there are any penalties/surcharges then these should be appealed against and will be waivered. Even if you created a new online account, you would still be waiting for the gateway login to arrive via post before you could submit the return.
No need to wait for the post
Even if you created a new online account, you would still be waiting for the gateway login to arrive via post before you could submit the return.
You won't be waiting for the gateway login to arrive by post - online VAT works differently to SA - you can file pretty much straightaway online (I have done it before for a client in the same situation!).
I was having the same concerns with a new client as arthurallan of submitting a VAT return .. hence many thanks for the peace of mind!!
I also agree how frustrating it is sometimes to get required information from previous accountants; I've learned the sooner you get the ball rolling the better.
Don't necessarily knock the old accountants.....
All the VAT returns that I submit on behalf of clients are using my own log-in, so I would never hand that information over to anyone else......
Submitting via your own login.
I have been trying to do this for one of my clients but HMRC keep saying application to authorise failed! I have checked the information a couple of times and resubmitted and the information is correct?
I am giving them
VAT number
Principal Place of Business Post code (I am using his home address where he works from ..wonder could his previous accountants address be the one thats registered? Mind you I tried that and it still failed!
Date of registration (got this from HMRC)
Date of last return
Box 5 from last return
Have checked all these and still fails.
Driving me nuts!!
If I follow Carls advice and apply for new gateway login will that mean the client will then have 2 logins? Is that allowable?
already registered?
Submitting via your own login.
I have been trying to do this for one of my clients but HMRC keep saying application to authorise failed! I have checked the information a couple of times and resubmitted and the information is correct?
I am giving them
VAT number
Principal Place of Business Post code (I am using his home address where he works from ..wonder could his previous accountants address be the one thats registered? Mind you I tried that and it still failed!
Date of registration (got this from HMRC)
Date of last return
Box 5 from last return
Have checked all these and still fails.
Driving me nuts!!
If I follow Carls advice and apply for new gateway login will that mean the client will then have 2 logins? Is that allowable?
It might be failing because the client is already registered. .. try calling up to clarify
I had the failure ...
... with correct information, client will have to phone and verify the information. I had a copy of last vat return and the VAT 4 for mine.
There has been a big problem with online VAT in that if HMRC get post returned (I think from any head of tax, not just VAT) they suspend the account. Generally happens when client moves and change of address not done promptly. One client taken an age to get sorted and going to have to do a 12 month return now it is finally sorted!
What I do if the VAT return imminent when taking over a new client is to wait until return done before applying for authorisation. I then send the return to the old accountant to file with a letter stating that as there has no been time to get online facilities in place can they please file the return and that we confirm they have no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the submission. Never had a problem with this.
It still takes time if client registers doesn't it? They can set up a gateway account and apply for online VAT but don't they have to wait for the posted activation code themselves to be able to file?
posted code
It still takes time if client registers doesn't it? They can set up a gateway account and apply for online VAT but don't they have to wait for the posted activation code themselves to be able to file?
It is actually possible to file a VAT return without the posted code
Interesting
It still takes time if client registers doesn't it? They can set up a gateway account and apply for online VAT but don't they have to wait for the posted activation code themselves to be able to file?
It is actually possible to file a VAT return without the posted code
didn't know that, thought you had to enter the activation code to access the relevant online service
Registering a client
This is a bit of a hijack sorry, but sort of in the same vain.
I have registered a client for VAT (amongst other taxes) using my login. When they are finally registered will I then need to do 64-8 authorisation or will I be automatically authorised for each of these?
64-8 ineffective for VAT online filing
This is a bit of a hijack sorry, but sort of in the same vain.
I have registered a client for VAT (amongst other taxes) using my login. When they are finally registered will I then need to do 64-8 authorisation or will I be automatically authorised for each of these?
In my experience paper form 64-8 does NOT enable online filing for VAT by the agent.
64-8 is additional to online authorisation and is only to allow HMRC to speak to an agent anout a client's VAT affairs.
Thanks DMB but...
Does registering a client for their taxes automatically give online agent authorisation?
Or will I then need to go through this process too?
Two separate processes
Does registering a client for their taxes automatically give online agent authorisation?
Or will I then need to go through this process too?
Process one - register for VAT or SA or Payroll
Process two (after getting ref numbers from step one) authorise an agent and/or add a service selves [via GG ID and password] to create ability to make online filings
Step one creates an obligation to make filings with HMRC, but does NOT create the ability to make online filings!
Very easy for clients to trip up with VAT return filing in this respect as they think "job done" when they get an eMail with their new VAT number, then forget the need to set up online filing.