VAT returns - anyone else unable to submit ?

VAT returns - anyone else unable to submit ?

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Trying to submit a client's VAT return for May quarter. Starts off ok with the log in, but then it takes you to MTD and says there are no returns due yet. Cannot seem to access the old system any more. Is this just me, or is anyone else having the same problem ?

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By Maslins
11th Jun 2019 11:45

I think I read somewhere most MTD systems were down for maintenance for a week from 8-15 June. I think deliberately timed so just after 7 June deadline for April VAT submissions.

If there's no rush, may be worth trying again next week on the basis it may well be down to this generic downtime, rather than a specific problem your end.

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Replying to Maslins:
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By johnhemming
11th Jun 2019 11:59

I update the downtimes scheduled on my website here:
https://www.vat.direct/

Quoting from yesterday's developers email:

Scheduled downtime
As advised in our recent email, we will shortly be undertaking scheduled maintenance to the Making Tax Digital (MTD) services for both VAT and ITSA in order to make some important updates

Customers will be unable to use the MTD VAT and Income Tax services at the following time:

from 11.30pm on Saturday 15 June to 10.30am on Sunday 16 June.

During these periods, customers will be unable to:
· Sign up for Making Tax Digital,
· Create an Agent services account (although all other Agent services will be available),
· Submit returns,
· View previous submissions and payment details,
· Set up new or cancel and amend existing direct debits,
· Review and update any business details.

A further period of scheduled maintenance for just the MTD VAT service will take place on:
· 17 June from 9am to 5pm (at the latest)

During this period, MTD VAT customers will be unable to
· submit VAT returns through MTD software
· view return information through their online services account or software.

All other elements of the MTD services will be available during this period, including the ability to sign-up to the service.

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Replying to Maslins:
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By Open all hours
12th Jun 2019 10:17

Tried to sign a client up for MTD. Didn’t check the calendar, happened to be the 7th. Message from HMRC - sorry cannot process, we are busy.

Thinking back to when Self Assessment came in and under no circumstances would being busy be accepted as a valid reason for late submission.

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By PChapman
11th Jun 2019 12:19

If you/they have started the MTD signup process then you're stuck because you can't go back to the old system

Get hold of all needed info, especially the Client date of Registration, because you cannot complete the signup without it and it "disappears" from the website as soon as you start the MTD Signup
Make sure that both you and your client do not use MS Edge for any of the link signing/sending. Chrome and Firefox are ok, but there are know "issues" with Edge.

Once the scheduled downtime is over try again, but be prepared to phone HMRC and explain the problem to them.
That's where I am with an April client - stuck until HMRC fixes it!

Good Luck

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RedFive
By RedFive
11th Jun 2019 12:35

We have this issue with 3 MTD clients (out of 12 sign ups).

For an unknown reason they have the message 'No returns due right now' showing and the message 'Your next deadline will show here on the first day of your next accounting period'.

We have been fobbed off by HMRC that it will fix itself in due course and it affects 'a small number of customers'.

We have decided not to panic until the 1st July, which is when the filing window opens for the three in question.

Note the others signed up with the same quarterly filing dates all have correct return dates and deadline for filing showing so not consistent.

£5 says it doesn't fix itself on 1st July.

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Replying to RedFive:
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By johnhemming
11th Jun 2019 15:14

What do you get if you look at the obligations API?

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By Eddystone
11th Jun 2019 16:35

Ok, many thanks, everyone, for the replies.

These clients have two businesses - I completed the first VAT return as normal, then the odd thing is that just a few mins later was unable to do the other. Neither has been signed up for MTD yet as these are qtrs ending May.

So at present it seems that the VAT system is inaccessible for pre-MTD returns, or those voluntarily registered.

I'll do what's been suggested and wait a few days then try again. Dread phoning - you wait about 30 mins to get through before being told you've got the wrong number ! Although have to admit that the agents' line is brilliant.

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