Changing VAT accounting periods

I understand how that could be frustrating not to be able to submit VAT returns in your QuickBooks Online (QBO), @Jintie. 

Let me share some information about the error message you received. 

If you see the message "Update your VAT accounting periods," it appears for several reasons:
 

• The VAT periods in QuickBooks don't match the periods that HMRC has for this VAT registration number.
• You may have an open period that is marked as 'filed' in QuickBooks or with the HMRC system.
• You have a pending or unsuccessful VAT Return submission (this will have an amber or red icon next to it).
  
  • To fix this, go to Taxes and select Go for it and follow the instructions. Do not select Resubmit return for a rejected VAT filing as QuickBooks will try to resubmit the return using the same method as the original filing attempt.
• You may have an outstanding VAT Return that is over 12 months old. To fix this, mark the period as 'filed' to receive the correct dates from HMRC and file your last submitted return, then close your books.

For more information, see this article: Fix MTD issues and errors in QuickBooks Online.

Since you've submitted late VAT returns, can you tell me if you marked them as filed in QuickBooks? If so, then you'll have to reach out to our QuickBooks Online Support Team. 
 

I've also added this link to learn more about MTD VAT in QuickBooks: Everything you need to know about Making Tax Digital (MTD)

I'm looking forward to this issue getting resolved. Feel free to leave a reply if you require further assistance with submitting VAT returns in QBO. The Community team always has your back. 
 

Have a good one!

Thank you for your time.

This is the procedure I took

I went to VAT section and found the return for the first date HMRC said was due.

I submitted the return, successfully I believe.

I didn't file the submission or do anything else with it.

I closed the books

I then went back to submit the next return

All the information is there but it only allows me to view summary and the Alert message (as described) telling me to change VAT accounting periods

Hello Jintie, thanks for coming back to us here, please can you try turn off the close the books on the settings and go back to taxes tab and disconnect and reconnect MTD see if that resolves it for you. If you still have any issue please reach back out to us again.

I'm afraid that hasn't helped.  When I've turned MTD back on it takes me to a screen that says  Quickbook dates don't match with HMRC dates. GB's show 30 and HMRC shows 29

Thanks for trying that Jintie, can you ring the support line on 0808 234 5337 the line is open mon to fri 8am to 7pm and is free from any UK landline or mobile our reach out on our chat support. You will be able to set up a screenshare with the agent on the phone or chat and they can look into this more for you and they will ask for some information off you so they can check in the systems to see what it is saying as well for you.