We have Quickbooks 2016 Pro which has served us well until MTD, which, as we know, isn't compatable. We signed up for online and then was told the the company handling the data migration had gone bust and an alternative was being sort. It was supposed to be ready by 01/08/22, but here on the 17/08/22 still nothing. We should have sent our VAT filing in on 31/07/22, but was unable to and still haven't! It had been suggested a trial 2021 Quickbooks may be supplied to upgrade to and then send from that, but nothing else came of that either. When is this going to be resolved, as we urgently need to submit our VAT return.

Regards

Phillip

@pip0001 

You can utilize the trial version for QBD 2020 to upgrade your file and submit your VAT filing.

 Hello Pip0001, we only have a trail of 201 but still if you're on 2016 and don’t have a subscription, we cannot and won't sell 2021 now due to it being discontinued. You would need to migrate to QBO but obviously can't do that at the moment. You could try upgrading the file on the trail, to allow you to file, but you would need to carry on using 2016 for data as the versions aren't backwards compatible. Here is the link for the trail. We would suggest possibly use the trail to get offer the initial problem of needing to file the VAT via MTD, but that is only a month's trail, however if you only use it to file MTD and nothing else, and restore a backup on 2016 to carry on working on until you can migrate into QBO.

HI Pip here is the link sorry. 

You can still purchase the one time license for QBD 2020 if required. Another option, consider purchasing a 3rd party service to convert your data to QBO.

I tried to fill my vat return, but still shows me 

We can’t connect to HMRC right now

Let’s check a few things out to get you back on track. 

I checked am I am connected to HMRC with MTD.

With some reasons I got 2 opened vat returns, so I think that is the potential problem, how can I delete these returns as its a old period ?

Hello WMIKA, please can you ring the helpline on 0808 234 5337 line is open mon to fri 8am to 7pm and is free from any UK landline or mobile and if you give the agent on the phone your VAT registration number they will be able to check in the system what obligations HMRC are expecting from you and will guide you on what to do from there to get it all resolved for you. 

I've had a VAT return fail to submit - internal_server_error from HMRC - the guidance in QB says to click 'go for it' on the 'take action' page, the former doesn't exist, my search in the help sidebar says to go into the taxes page, select the return and click on 'resubmit', which again doesn't exist as an option. (I'm using QB in the browser)

The bot is pretty useless and after 4 tries I've given up on asking to deal with a human. 

what should I try next? 

Hi martinwoo, thanks for joining this thread - this error means that HMRC has rejected your VAT return or has not returned a valid response (this can happen if HMRCs server is experiencing scheduled or unscheduled maintenance or downtime) - you can either wait try again later, or if the issue persists, contact HMRC so that they can take a closer look. 

I understand the error message, thanks very much, when you say 'try again later', how exactly do I do this? there's no option to resubmit?

If you don't see the option to submit or resubmit the return, this may mean that the return has already been submitted successfully. Please reach our chat support team or call us on 0808 234 5337 (M-F, 8 am - 7 pm, free from UK mob & landlines) so that we can check the status in the background for you. :)

Hello, 

I have the online version. I de registered for VAT back in 2016 and my quickbooks has always had an outstanding return dated after my close date, which is a refund due of £139. I cannot file it now because when I registered again this year hmrc gave me a new vat number. I suspect it is this that is causing the 'take action' mesage. I've checked my vat number, tried to register for MTD and .gov tells me I'm already registered, I've read all the trouble shooting, but I don't have any menus in the VAT page other than Add tax or Edit Tax. How can I clear this old transaction so that I can file my new vat this week please?

Thanks for joining and sharing the details of your concern in this thread, @Bob_R1.

Let me share some troubleshooting steps you can use to fix the error message and file your VATfor this week. 

We can create a VAT adjustment so you don't have to worry about making corrections when it’s time to file. This will zero out your outstanding return and adjust the VAT that you owe.

Here's how:

Step 1: Set up an account for VAT adjustment

It’s important to use the correct account type when adjusting VAT. Set up an expense account if you need to increase your VAT due, or an income account if you need to decrease.

1. Click the Gear icon at the top and select Chart of accounts (Take me there).
2. Select New at the top right.
3. From the Account Type drop-down list, choose Income or Expenses.
   • If you need to decrease your VAT due, set up an income account.
   • If you need to increase your VAT due, set up an expense account.
4. Select the account’s Detail Type.
   • Use Sales of Product Income for an income account.
   • Use Taxes Paid for an expense account.
5. Name your adjustment account.
6. Click Save and Close.

Step 2: Add an adjustment

1. Go to the Taxes menu and select VAT (Take me there).
2. Find the tax period you need to adjust, then click Prepare return.
3. Click Adjust against the entry to be adjusted.
4. Select the Adjustment date and the Tax rate.
5. Choose the Adjustment account for adjusting VAT.
   • If you need to increase the tax due, select an expense account 
   • Choose an income account if you need to decrease the tax due.
6. Enter the Adjustment amount and notes in Memo, then select Save.

Then, you can update your VAT settings to update your Vat registration number. Afterward, you can now file your VAT. 

In case you need further assistance in handling your account. I'd recommend reaching out to QuickBooks UK Customer Support Group. 

For additional reference in handling your VAR in QuickBooks, you can check out these links:
 

• List of the common VAT codes in QuickBooks Online.
• Learn how to submit a VAT return to HMRC.

Let me know if you need further assistance with this. I'm always around to provide answers and clarifications to your questions. Have a great day ahead and take care.

Hi Raymond, 

What you suggest makes sense, only problem is that I do not have the Prepare Return menu. I have attached a screen shot. Can you tell me what I am missing, please. ?

Many thanks

Bob

Thanks for getting back to us, @Bob_R1. I can only think of a browser-related problem to this kind of concern. 

Please know that QuickBooks Online uses cache to speed up page loading. However, it may exhibit unexpected behavior when loaded with temporary internet files.

Since the Prepare Return menu isn't visible, let's confirm by logging in to your QuickBooks company with an incognito or private browser. You can use the keyboard shortcut keys listed below to access according to your preferred browser:

• Google Chrome, press CTRL+ Shift+N
• Mozilla Firefox: press CTRL+Shift+P
• Internet Explorer: Press CTRL+Shift+P
• Safari: press Command+Shift+N

Follow the steps shared by my peer @ReymondO, then see if you can find the menu. If it does, begin troubleshooting by clearing the cache in your primary browser. 

If the menu is still not visible, use another supported, and updated browser.

Visit the Making Tax Digital hub for more helpful articles and troubleshooting tips.

We're always around to assist with your taxes concerns. Take Care!

Hi KatherineJoyce, 

Thankyou for the suggestion. I have tried this and there is no change. I am using Safari on a MacBook Air, Have powered up my old windows PC too and still not seeing the headings. Should there be a VAT menu in the Advanced setup area that enables all the VAT menus. Seems to me that it hasn't been fully reactivated after I re registered for VAT?? Have you a screen shot of what I should see? Many thanks. Bob

Hey there, @Bob_R1.

Thanks for following up on this thread. I'd be happy to share additional information and a screenshot of the VAT page. I'm here to make sure everything will be straightened out.

You're right. On this page, you'll see two main buttons in the right corner: Edit VAT and Add tax. When you scroll down, you can find the Prepare return button under the Open returns section. See the screenshot below.

However, if the status says "Take action," I recommend reaching out to our Customer Care Support team, so they'll be able to help you with this.

Please come back if you need more help handling VAT in QuickBooks Online. I'll be sure to get back to you. Take care always, @Bob_R1!

after a couple of calls to support I've solved this myself.

The issue was that when you click the 'take me there' button to resolve, there's a popup with a 'resubmit VAT' button, which changes the web page address, but the web page doesn't visibly load as the pop-up stays in place blocking the requested page. When you clear the pop-up all you get is a blank page.

The workaround is to copy the address when it changes on clicking the 'resubmit VAT' button, clear down the pop-up, paste the web address into the address bar and it will pull up the 'resubmit' page.

To solution is for someone to look at the code behind the 'resubmit VAT' button and correct it...

Can we use Quickbooks online's MTD to correctly submit HMRC VAT returns where we receive reverse charge VAT invoices from service suppliers in Europe (RO Ireland) and we are on the Flat Rate Scheme ? Our experience so far is that Quickbooks is not posting the correct information to the correct boxes in the VAT return.

Hello AdrianF, thanks for posting on this thread, if the codes aren't posting correctly then we will need you to call in so we can set up a screen share with you and take a look into it more for you. The help line is open mon to fri 8am to 7pm and is free from any UK mobile or landline the number to ring is 0808 234 5337 also it would be best if you have a clear description of what it should do vs what it is doing as well so you can tell the agent on the phone thanks. 

I've just moved over to MTD but despite the message "You’re connected to HMRC, which lets you track your tax deadlines and submit digital VAT returns"

I get the "We cannot connect to HMRC right now" under "Taxes". I waited 72 hours and still no joy. My VAT number appears to be valid.

Be grateful for any assistance as I am well overdue for submission.

I can see that you did everything you could, @AndrewBoff. I'm here to ensure you'll be able to get rid of the error and submit your VAT returns. 

Let me first discuss some details about the process. 

When submitting a VAT return in QuickBooks Online (QBO), you have to ensure that you're using the correct Government Gateway user ID and password given by HMRC. Since you've mentioned that you've just moved over to MTD, there should be an email notification confirming that you can start using the account and submit the client's return. For reference, please check this article: How to fix MTD issues and errors in QuickBooks Online.

If in case you did not get any email confirmation, I recommend checking your inbox or junk folder. Then, look for the following:

• Government Gateway
• no-reply@access.service.gov.uk
• noreply@tax.services.gov.uk

If you still can’t, please contact the HMRC. This way, you can verify your details are correct. Feel free to check this link for more info: What should I do if I didn't receive a confirmation email?.

Keep me posted again here if you have any other concerns about submitting your VAT return. I'm just around the corner to help. Have a good one and take care.

I have the same message as above, and cannot connect to quickbooks to enter CIS monthly or VAT returns for making tax digital.  

When I go to Advanced and click making tax digital it says learn how to disconnect, not connect how you are saying above.  Everything is ticked to make digital but still doesnt work.

PLEASE HELP

I’ve got you covered, Robinson2.

We can perform some basic browser troubleshooting to improve and speed up your browser's performance. Cookies and caches may prevent you from entering CIS monthly or VAT returns.

Before proceeding, please log in to your QuickBooks Online account using an incognito window to identify if it's a browser issue. Here are the shortcut keys to use:

•  Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Safari: Command + Shift + N
•  

If this works, go back to your regular browser and clear the cache. This will eliminate old and damaged files and will enhance your system's background processes. If the same thing happens, you can also use another supported browser as an alternative. 

Once you're sign in, please follow these steps to disconnect and reconnect via Advanced settings:

1. Go to the Gear icon, then Account and Settings.
2. Select Advanced.
3. Click Making Tax Digital to expand the section and select Learn how to disconnect.
4. Choose Continue.
5. Hit Disconnect to confirm.
6. Select Continue to return to QuickBooks Online.

Then, you can follow these steps to authorise QuickBooks to connect with HMRC:

1. Click on the Gear icon, then Account and Settings.
2. Go to Advance on the left menu in the Accounts and Settings page, then select the Making Tax Digital header to expand the section.
3. Click on Learn how to connect, then click on Let's go on the Get started with digital tax page.

Once MTD has been enabled in QuickBooks. Follow the steps below:

1. After clicking on Let's go, you'll be directed to HMRC page as shown below. Click Continue to sign in.
2. Enter your HMRC credentials to sign in.
3. Click on Grant authority to continue. The authorisation process will begin.

If the issue persists, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Online Support. They can pull up your account and submit a ticket for further investigation.

To give you more of an idea about submitting a VAT and CIS return, consider checking these articles which you may find helpful:

• File your VAT return and record tax payments in QuickBooks Online.
• Submit a VAT return to HMRC - MTD for small businesses.
• File a CIS return in QuickBooks Online.

Let me know how this turns out or if you need further assistance with these steps by leaving me a comment. I'll jump right back in to assist you further.