Error 'We can't connect to HMRC right now, Previously submitted vat returns no problem. I've checked all published information but nothing works. Can anybody help?

Hi there, @circuitsupplies.

I'll share some information and troubleshooting steps. So you can send your VAT forms successfully to HMRC on time and keep your account up to date.

The error We can't connect to HMRC right now would usually show up if: 

• The user ID and password are incorrect. 
• Incorrect VAT registration number entered in the VAT settings
• The current VAT return period has not ended yet. 

Also, please click the Learn More button in error to check other troubleshooting actions. 

Once confirmed and still no success, I'd recommend disconnecting and re-connecting to eliminate the error. 

Here's how: 

1. Go to the Gear icon, then choose Account and Settings. 
2. Select the Advanced button and choose Making Tax Digital for your Clients. 
3. Follow the on-screen instruction on how to disconnect and re-connect. 

After that, let's re-submit the vat returns to check if it's already functioning well. 

If the issue persists, I'd recommend communicating with the Customer Care Team. They have tools to do a screen share and further investigate the root cause of the error. Let me guide you how: 

1. Go to the Help icon, then hit VAT and MTD. 
2. Type Talk to a human in the box. 
3. Tap Live Chat. 
4. Type your concern in the description field, then click Let's talk. 
5. Pick Start a chat, next complete the required information. 

Our support is available Monday- Friday 8 AM to 10 PM, for Sat-Sun 8 AM- 6 PM. Please call our support within business hours to cater to your concern promptly.

Let me also share these articles about MTD and tracking VAT for more aspects:

• Take Action To Complete Your Making Tax Digital (MTD) Submission
• Everything You Need To Know About Making Tax Digital (MTD)
• Making Tax Digital (MTD) - FAQ

Let me know if you have any concerns by hitting the Reply button below. I'm glad to help. Keep safe!

Hi Michelle, thanks for the prompt reply to my post & many thanks for the information.

What started as a very worrying problem turned out to be simple error fix thanks to your guidance.

What was the simple error? I'm trying to reconnect (submitting vat returns fine over past year) but I get the same error once through to the gateway ' An unexpected error occurred. Please ensure that you are making a valid request and try again later.'

Hello Lee194, 

Thanks for posting on this thread,  

So did you disocnnect MTD in Quickbooks and are you trying to reconnect but when you do you get that error? 

Is that correct? 

How did/were did you disconnect MTD in Quickbooks? 

I go to 'taxes' like normal. Under status there is a red exclamation saying 'take action'. I click it and it says 'Let's make HMRC authorised'. It states authorisation is every 18 months. This then opens a new windows and I log in with my gateway to 'grant access'. This is when I get the error.

I have always filed MTD, with no issues. Need to file VAT today and panicking. 

Thanks for that information, so what you need to do in order to resolve this is to 

• Disable pop up blockers 
• Complete network troubleshooting: disabling VPN, resetting router and try a different network. 

That should resolve your issue and let you then submit the vat you need to do. 

If you still have issues let us know 

No.

I logged into HMRC gateway. Unticked all the management boxes. Logged out. Logged back in. Re-ticked and added management users again. Then it connected.