I cannot connect to hmrc to submit my vat return, any advice on how this could be resolved?

Hello, Nigel. 

I've got some steps to help you resolve the HMRC connection issue, and I'll ensure you'll be able to submit your VAT return. 

Did you receive any error messages when processing your VAT return submission? I'd appreciate if you could give more details about the issue. This way, I'll come up with the best possible steps and fix the HMRC connection problem. 

In the meantime, let's do the following steps and fix the HMRC connection issue. 

A cache-related problem is likely preventing you from connecting to the HMRC website to submit your VAT return. We can fix this by using an incognito window (best way to check for cache or webpage issues): 

• Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N.
• Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P.
• Safari (for new versions): Command + Shift + N.

From there, log in to your QuickBooks Online account. When you're able to connect to the HMRC website, process your returns as you would normally. After processing the return, go back to the regular browser and clear the cache. 

After clearing the cache, close out any of your browser's instances to complete the process. This will remove the browser data that's preventing you from connecting to the HMRC website within QuickBooks. 

Alternatively, we can also use another supported browser to process your VAT return. 

If you'd like to review the process of submitting your VAT returns to the HMRC, we can take a look at this article: Submit a MTD for VAT return to HMRC in QuickBooks Online. 

Need to reconcile your accounts and close the current account period and prepare for the next? We can use this article as a guide for reconciliation: Reconcile an account in QuickBooks Online.

Do you have more questions about your VAT records and returns? Or would you like some assistance on other areas in QuickBooks? Let me know and I'll gladly help you out. 

Hi Jamespaul, thanks for your help. I tried the steps you recommended but it still didn't connect. I would like to give you more information; Ive attached a screenshot of the message im getting, I clicked on the 'Take Action' button but it just took me to another screen saying again 'unable to connect', by the way, I rang HMRC today also and they confirmed that there was no block at their side and said I should contact quickbooks. I was connected a few days ago to hmrc but this connection has since been lost obviously, let me know what I can try next please, Thanks, Nigel.

I appreciate you for coming back to the thread along with the amount of effort you've put into troubleshooting this concern, @nigelwilson. 

We understand the convenience of submitting your VAT return through QuickBooks. We also know how time consuming it can take when something isn’t working the way you need it.

Before proceeding, I’d like to let you know that there’s no screenshot added in your response. You’ll want to attach it again in the comment section below. 

I’ve checked our resources and verified there’s an in-progress report about the CIS submission by HMRC. This is why you’re still unable to pass your VAT return after performing the steps outlined above.

I recommend you contact our Support Team. They can pull up your account in a safe environment and assist you further from there. This way, you’ll be added to the list of affected users  and get notified when a fix is available.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Help icon.
2. Select either of these to start: Assistant or Search.
3. Enter your concern.
4. Choose a way to connect with us: Start a chat or Get a callback.

Please take note that our chat experts are available all day from Monday-Friday. While you can call us Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and on Saturday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

If you have any other questions about handling tax return or any tax-related concerns, let me know by adding a comment below. I'm more than happy to help. Keep safe.