Hello KC1998,

You do not need to enter the GB, or use any spaces. Just the number itself. If you are still getting the error, please send a screenshot of this over.

Thanks,

Talia

Thank you.  I reset the VAT number to just numbers (no spaces) and the connection worked 

Brilliant - thanks for updating us KC1998 :)

Just tried to file next Q VAT & guess what Quickbooks??!! Yes, it happened again!

Fix worked again thank goodness but come on fix this bug please!

We file monthly VAt returns so have been using MTD for several months - mostly successfully!

I have just gone to complete the August VAT return and have been greated with this error message.

I have tried cancelling my authority and re-authorising - this hasn't helped.  Message still appears when I try to 'File MTD'

Please help.

Hi Vicki15

The reason you are unable t submit the VAT return is due to HMRC carrying out maintenance until approximately 4pm today.

Would have been nice if HMRC had put such info on their website , or even better when I contacted their helpdesk for them to tell me.

Wasted hours on this now

Had the same issue with the last quarter's return but managed to get it to work in the end.  Now having the same problem with this quarter's return.  I can't remember how I managed to solve it last time.  I have removed the authority with HMRC but it is still saying to check VAT number (which is right).  Please help someone!  I've spent hours this evening trying to figure it out and return is due tomorrow!

Thanks for making sure that you have the correct VAT number, Karen. Let's get the behavior resolved, so you can file your VAT return on time.

We can check if a browser issue hinders from recognizing your VAT number. If you'll still the same thing after performing some steps, we'll recommend checking this with Support. They can use a screen-sharing tool to see your setup and check the root cause of the issue.

Please log in to QuickBooks in a private window and enter your VAT number. This is a good way to start checking browser issues and this will disable the cache from saving your browsing history. If it works fine, you can go back to your regular browser and clear its cache. If not, please try other browsers to isolate the case.

To contact our Support:

1. Click on Help and choose Contact us.
2. In the description field, enter something like MTD Error Message - please check your VAT reg no.
3. Click Let's talk or Continue, depending on what you see.
4. Choose from Message an agent or Talk to a specialist.

We're open 24 hours in the Community to answer your questions with payroll and QuickBooks.

What Quickbooks are assuming is that you have registered for MTD. This has to be done separately through the HMRC website before your software will communicate. 

Basically if you are not registered with HMRC they do not recognise your VAT number and hence the misleading error message.

Hi Quickbooks

I have Quickbooks desktop 2020 and 3 different companies I file VAT for. I have used QB for many years. I have just filed VAT via File VAT MTD for one of my companies but when trying to do the same for the 2nd company I am getting the same message as all the others. I have tried the fix mentioned in this string but it has not worked for me. I have Removed Authority and logged in again to HMRC using the 2nd company VAT details but still get the same massage "Please check VAT number and try again". Please can you post a proper response/solution to this problem. I am not able to file VAT for my other two companies and now running out of time.

Thanks for joining this conversation, @Dibler.

Since you're still getting the same error message after following the steps shared in this thread, I highly suggest contacting our Phone Support team. They are able to pull up your account using their screen-sharing (remote access)tool and further investigate the cause of this odd behavior. They can also perform other troubleshooting steps to fix this for you.

Here's how to reach them:

1. In your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) go to the Help menu at the top to get to the QuickBooks Desktop Help.
2. Click the Contact Us at the bottom to connect with our live support.

Just in case, I'll add this article for future reference: QuickBooks Desktop VAT e-filing & Making Tax Digital.

I want to make sure everything is taken care of for you, so please let me know if you have any other issues or concerns. I'm always here to help. Have a good one!

Another one here with the same problem and I'm losing the will to live. I'm using Desktop Pro 2020 and I'm boggle-eyed from trying to solve the problem of the mysterious 'check the VAT reg number' alert after reading the comments here. Like many others I've filed online for years, I've filed MTD since last year but this issue has me stumped. Any advice would be appreciated. I have to file by midnight but it's not going to happen.

Sorted!  I deleted the VAT number, re-entered it, then tried again unsuccessfully. Repeated the exercise and this time it filed successfully. Halle ... lujah.

We don't want you to feel that way, Shadow1.

I recommend reaching out to our QuickBooks phone support. They'll be able to guide you through the steps. They might also have a different workaround that can resolve this error.

1. Click Help on the menu.
2. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. Click the Contact Us at the bottom to connect with our live support.

Here's an article for reference: QuickBooks Desktop VAT e-filing & Making Tax Digital.

Let me know if you need anything else. I'll be right here to help.

I don't have seem to have a 'Contact Us' on QuickBooks Desktop Help.  But all sorted now MaryLurleenM, thanks again.

I am having the same problems - where do I find this change user option to try your fix?

Hello, @henden-events. 

You can follow the steps performed by @Shadow1. Try deleting the VAT number and then re-enter it a couple of times until it'll file successfully. 

You can also go to the VAT menu to check the Change User on File VAT MTD option. 

Check this article for more information: How to submit a VAT return to HMRC - MTD for QuickBooks Desktop. 

Let us know how we can further assist you with your account.

I cannot see where to change the user.  Please help i have been going around in circles for weeks

Hi there, @henden-events.

The steps mentioned by my colleague @MJoy_D is for Quickbooks desktop account user. This is why you're unable to see the user option.

Since you’re using an Online version of QuickBooks, you’ll want to disconnect and reconnect MTD to fix the issue.

Here’s how to connect after disconnecting:

1. Select Taxes in your left navigation pane.
2. Click Let’s go.
3. Follow the on screens instruction to complete.

Then, authorize QuickBooks to interact with HMRC. Please check the link and follow step number 2.

You can also refer to these articles for additional information about MTD.

• Take action to complete your Making Tax Digital (MTD) submission
• Making Tax Digital (MTD) - everything you need to know

Also, I added this article for your future reference on how to submit a VAT return for HMRC's Making Tax Digital.

It'll be my pleasure to assist if you need more help.

Got the problem again today.

This is the first time I've tried to submit VAT using MTD on the new computer. Transferred all the files and license for QB from my old machine.

The last time I think I found out it was the dimwits at HMRC who had their system down for maintenance for several hours but didn't tell anyone.

However Quickbooks should be able to tell you that rather than just saying check your VAT number. 

I'll try again on Monday

Yup ...... problem caused by HMRC's being down/faulty. Everything OK when submitted on Monday.

Any other organisation having this amount of downtime would be out of business.

They don't even provide a page notifying of downtime.

I am having the same problem.  I have been submitting my VAT returns online for months now and this problem has just occured.  I have the desktop version.  I have installed the latest updates since my last vat submission.

Help please!!!!

Hello SueP2, 

Thanks for posting on this thread, 

Currently, HMRC are down until 5pm. so you will need to submit your submissions after 5pm or tomorrow.