Message

When making your Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT submission, the following message appears:

'BAD REQUEST'

What this means

This message may appear when submitting for a non-standard VAT period, not 1, 3 or 12 months.

How to resolve

If your VAT period is correct, download and install the latest version of Sage 50 Accounts.

Message

When logging in to the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) website as part of your Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT submission, the following message appears:

'An error has occurred when communicating with the submission service. Try again later.'

When you click Details, the following details appear:

'The client and/or agent is not authorised.'

What this message means

There are several reasons for this message.

NOTE: When you click Details, if 'bad request' appears, it indicates a non-standard tax period that can't be processed. Seek further guidance from HMRC.

How to resolve

To resolve this, follow the steps in the error has occurred when communicating with the submission service article.

Message

User has already submitted a VAT Return for the given period

What this message means

This message appears if you try to submit a VAT Return more than once for the same obligation period.

How to resolve

If you submit your VAT Return and then make an adjustment, you can submit this adjustment in the next obligation period provided its value is no more than £10,000

If you need to make an adjustment of more than £10,000 you must contact HMRC.

Message

Your VAT Registration Number is invalid. Check this in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT tab.

What this message means

The VAT Registration Number entered into Sage 50 Accounts is not valid.

How to resolve

Check your VAT Registration Number in Company Preferences.

1. On the menu bar click Settings, then click Company Preferences.
2. If prompted, enter your password then click OK.
3. Click the VAT tab then in VAT Reg:
   
   • Enter your correct VAT registration number.
   • Remove additional characters, such as spaces and dashes.
4. Click OK.

For queries about your VAT Registration Number, please contact HMRC.

Message

Unable to connect to Gateway.

What this message means

The Internet Submission Module can't access the Internet to submit your information.

How to resolve

• Check that you can connect to the internet. Check that you can open www.sage.co.uk
  
  
• Ensure you've the Internet Submission module latest update installed. Click Help > Check For Internet Submission Updates. You can also download the Internet Submissions module from www.sage.co.uk/accountsupdates > Misc updates
  
  
• This message can occur when your Internet security software, for example a firewall, blocks the messages sent to HMRC by the Internet Submission Module or incoming messages from HMRC.

  Check with your IT administrator that your firewall allows access to the required file. The file depends on which Sage software you're using, as follows:

  • Sage Accounts - SBDDesktop.exe
  • Sage 50 Payroll - SBDDesktop.exe
• Similar problems can also occur if you access the Internet via a proxy server or router and to access an external website, you enter a username and password.
  
  When the Internet Submission Module attempts to connect to the Internet, the connection can only proceed if your username and password window appears.

  Check with your IT administrator that your proxy server allows access to the following URLs:

  • Live Gateway - https://secure.gateway.gov.uk/submission
    
    
  • Polling Live Gateway - https://secure.gateway.gov.uk/submission/poll
    
    
  • Sage 50 Payroll - IR Mailbox - https://secure.gateway.gov.uk/GGMSSoap/GGMSAPI.wsdl
    
    TIP: The last two URLs aren't used in HTTP format. If you enter them into the address bar of Internet Explorer the following message appears:

    'The page cannot be found'

    However, they're used in TCP/IP format, so your IT administrator must ensure they've access through the proxy server.

Message

Error 1001.

What this message means

There are invalid characters, including spaces, in eSubmissions Credentials.

How to resolve

Delete your eSubmissions Credentials:

1. Go to Settings, then select Company Preferences, then select VAT.
2. Enter the credentials again to ensure there are no spaces in the boxes, then try the submission again.

If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

Authentication Failure: The supplied user credentials failed verification for the requested service.

This message means that there’s an incorrect entry in the eSubmissions Credentials

How to resolve

1. Log in to the Government Gateway and check if the VAT Submission option is available.
2. Browse to Settings then click Company Preferences and click VAT
3. Delete your eSubmissions Credentials
4. Enter the credentials again to ensure there are no spaces in the boxes
5. Check that the Branch Identifier, and for EC Sales the Branch Postcode, are correct. These details must match what's registered for the company with HMRC.

  NOTE: If you use Sage 50 Accounts Client Manager and submit, on behalf of a client you must also delete the contents in the Accountant tab and enter them again.

If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The VRN specified wasn't found.

What this message means

The Gateway doesn't recognise your VAT Registration Number.

How to resolve

Check that your VAT Reg number is entered correctly in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The declaration submitted is for a period over six years old.

What this message means

The dates in the submission are over six years old.

How to resolve

Check the dates used for the VAT Return, EC Sales List or CIS Return you're trying to submit. They shouldn't be more than six years old. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

Declaration submitted is for a future period.

What this message means

This can mean one of the following:

• The dates used in the VAT Return or EC Sales List are in the future.
• The selected period reference is incorrect.
• Your PC date is set to a future date.

How to resolve

• Check the dates used for the VAT Return, EC Sales List or CIS Return you're trying to submit
  
  The dates shouldn't be beyond the date on which you're making the submission. For example, if your return is for the period 1 May until 31 July, you can’t submit until 1 August at the earliest.
  
  
• Ensure that you've selected the correct period reference
  
  For example, if you're submitting an EC Sales List for the period 01/01/2010 - 31/03/2010, this may be quarter 4 in relation to your financial year. However, EC Sales List quarters are based on a calendar year, therefore you should choose quarter 1.

  TIP: If the Period Reference is incorrect, delete the EC Sales List and recalculate it, choosing the correct reference.

• Check that your PC date is correct

If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The declaration submitted contains an excess number of invalid submission lines. The entire submission has been rejected. The following lines have caused one or more validation failures:

What this message means

The data submitted contains more than the minimum number of errors accepted. These errors relate to your customer's country codes and VAT Registration Numbers.

How to resolve

Check the Error Threshold in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT. If the Error Threshold shows 0%, there may just be one line with an error. If it shows 30%, more than 30% of the lines contain errors. The HMRC recommended setting is 30%.

To determine which lines have been rejected, from the VAT window, select the EC Sales List you submitted, and click EC Sales. The EC Sales list appears and the Submitted column shows Successful or Reject for each submitted line. Alternatively, from the VAT window click HMRC Receipts to see a breakdown of the submitted information and error messages.

The customer records for the rejected entries must be corrected. You can amend these in Customers > Customer List > select the relevant customer > Customer Record. After you amend the customer records, create a new EC Sales List and submit again. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The declaration that's for a Monthly Mandated Trader contains an Invalid Quarter Period as the quarter specified contains future months.

What this message means

The data submitted contains a reference that relates to a period dated beyond the period being submitted. These errors relate to your customer's period references for the dates included in the submission.

How to resolve

Check the period references in the submission are correct then resubmit. If the period references are already correct, you should HMRC.

Message

The document was an invalid size - not enough data was supplied.

What this message means

The submission was interrupted or the XML file is corrupt.

How to resolve

Run the Check Data option. For information about how to resolve any errors, warnings or comments, please refer to https://my.sage.co.uk/support/my-data.aspx Once you've ran check data and resolved any errors try the submission again. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The Gateway hasn’t received an acknowledgement of your submission from the Department within the permitted timescale. Either resubmit or contact the Department directly to determine if your submission has been accepted.

What this message means

The Gateway hasn't received a confirmation of your submission from HMRC.

How to resolve

Contact HMRC to check if the submission has been received. If not, try the submission again.

Message

IRMark not found.

What this message means

This happens when there are 2 versions of the Interop.MSXML2.dll file, one installed by Sage Accounts and the other installed by Sage 50 Payroll 2009.

These files are installed in the following directory:

• Sage 50 Payroll 2009 version - C:\Windows\System32
• Sage Accounts v25 and above - Program directory, C:\Program Files\Sage\Accounts by default.
• Sage Accounts v24 and below - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sage SBD

It's the Sage Accounts version of the file that causes the problem.

How to resolve

Download and install the latest Internet Submissions module from Help > Check For Internet Submission Updates. You can also download the Internet Submissions module from www.sage.co.uk/accountsupdates > Misc updates. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The processing of this document has failed, please resubmit.

What this message means

This message is generated by the Gateway and indicates that your submission has failed due to incorrect information within the submission.

How to resolve

Check the information on the CIS Return is correct, then try the submission again. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The submission of this document has failed due to departmental specific business logic in the body tag.

What this message means

This message is generated by the Gateway and indicates that your submission has failed due to incorrect information within the submission. The reason for the submission failure is given in the subsequent error codes and messages.

How to resolve

No action is required to rectify this error as it provides no information relating to why the submission failed. When the issues that have caused the subsequent errors to appear have been resolved, this error won't recur.

Message

Invalid content found at element <Fore>.

What this message means

There's an invalid character in the Forename within the eSubmissions Contact Details.

How to resolve

Remove the invalid character from the Forenames box in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

Value <xxxxx> doesn’t have the correct format.

What this message means

There's an invalid character within the eSubmissions Contact Details.

How to resolve

Remove the invalid character from the eSubmissions Contact Details in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

A Field is too long or contains invalid characters.

What this message means

There's an invalid character within the eSubmissions Contact Details.

How to resolve

Remove the invalid character from the eSubmissions Contact Details in Settings, Company Preferences and CIS

V28 and below: If you're an accountant submitting on behalf of a customer you must ensure the details are also correct within Settings, Company Preferences, then Accountant

You'll also need to check the correct details are in the SAGE.INI file under [AccountantPractice], for example:

• Name=Company
• Contact=Contact Name
• Addr1=1st Line of Address
• Addr2=2nd Line of Address
• Addr3=Town
• Addr4=County
• Addr5=POSTCODE
• Tel=0123456789
• Fax=0123456789
• SSD=SSD Agent No
• [email protected]
• Dataset=
• Adjustment=

If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

Duplicate Submissions Filed.

What this message means

You've already made a submission for that month, in either electronic or paper-based format.

How to resolve

No further action is required as HMRC have received your CIS submission. If you have any queries, you can contact HMRC.

Message

There has been a problem with your verification request...

What this message means

This occurs if you, the contractor, are inactive in the new Construction Industry Scheme.

There are two possible reasons for this:

• You've not submitted any vouchers in the old scheme for over 12 months.
• You've contacted HMRC to state that you no longer want to take part in the scheme.

How to resolve

To reactivate your status as a contractor, please contact HMRC.

Message

Month Ending must not be earlier than 05/05/2007.

What this message means

The electronic submission of CIS returns is only possible for months after 6th April 2007. The first month-end date that you can use in a successful submission is the 5th of May 2007.

How to resolve

• Check the date entered in the Submit Monthly Return window, this must be dated on or after 05/05/2007.
• This may also be caused by the date format on Windows. Check your Regional Options in Start > Settings > Control Panel to ensure they're set to English (United Kingdom).

If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The amount in [Box 8] exceeds the amount in [Box 6]. Check.

What this message means

Although it's possible for Box 6 to be less than Box 8 our software follows the VAT Non-Form Validation Rules provided by HMRC.

• http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ebu/vat-nfvrs.pdf > page 5.

How to resolve

If the value entered in box 8 is greater than the value in box 6, please check your figures to make sure they're correct - if they aren't, then amend accordingly. If, having done this, there's still a problem, and your box 6 figure includes adjustments for credit notes, then please amend your box 6 figure to remove the credit note amounts. (This should result in the Box 6 figure now equalling or exceeding the Box 8 figure). Without this adjustment you won't be able to file your return. Make a note of any adjustments made in your records, for example in your VAT Account or on a copy of the return. If you've any queries regarding this, please contact HMRC.

Message

The amount in [Box 9] exceeds the amount in [Box 7]. Check.

What this message means

Although it's possible for Box 7 to be less than Box 9 our software follows the VAT Non-Form Validation Rules provided by HMRC.

• http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ebu/vat-nfvrs.pdf > page 5.

How to resolve

If the value entered in box 9 is greater than the value in box 7, please check your figures to make sure they're correct. If, having done this, there's still a problem, and your box 7 figure includes adjustment for debit notes, please amend your box 7 figure to remove these amounts (this should result in the Box 7 figure now equalling or exceeding the Box 9 figure). Without this adjustment you won't be able to file your return. Make a note of any adjustments made in your records, for example in your VAT Account or on a copy of the return. If you've any queries regarding this, please contact HMRC.

Message

A return has already been received for this period [Period Identifier].

What this message means

This occurs when you try to submit a VAT Return for a period that's already been submitted. You can only submit your VAT Return once, whether it's using online submissions or by a paper return.

How to resolve

No further action is required as HMRC have received your submission. If you have any queries, you can contact HMRC.

Message

The open period specified for the VRN wasn’t found.

What this message means

This can occur for one of the following reasons:

• You're trying to submit a VAT Return before HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have opened the gateway for that period.
• You're trying to submit a VAT Return for a period that's not your usual period.
• HMRC haven't processed a change to your company details.
• You're submitting your final VAT Return using your VAT registration details.

How to resolve

• Check that you're not submitting the VAT Return or EC sales list before the end of the period. For example, if your VAT period runs from 1 May to 31 July, the earliest date that you can submit the return is 1 August.
• Check that you're not submitting the VAT Return too late. Quarterly VAT Returns must be submitted within the calendar month following the end of the period covered. For further information, please contact HMRC's Online Service Help-desk on 0300 200 3600.
• Check that you've not submitted information for this period previously.
• If it's your final VAT Return, please contact HMRC to let them know.
  
  For further information, please contact HMRC.

Message

'The VRN specified wasn’t found.'

or

'Invalid Trader VRN'

What this message means

HMRC doesn't recognise the VAT Registration Number.

How to resolve

1. Check the VAT Reg number is correct in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT.
2. If you've registered with HMRC for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, ensure you've switched on MTD in your software.

If your VAT settings are correct and the error still occurs, please contact HMRC.

Message

According to our records, your Sage 50 Accounts software is activated with an unrecognised serial number. It's not possible to continue with your submission at this time. Contact the Sage Customer Experience Department on 0800 073 1747, they’ll ensure that you’re using a suitable serial number in your software.

What this message means

The serial number in your software is invalid.

How to resolve

You receive your serial number when you purchase your Sage software. Check the serial number is correct in Tools > Activation > Upgrade Program. If this is correct and you still receive this error, please contact our Customer Experience department on 0800 073 1747.

Message

The company is missing.

What this message means

The Submit as an agent check box is selected in Settings > Company Preferences > CIS and there are no contact details in the Accountant tab.

How to resolve

• If you're submitting as an agent, you must complete the contact details in Settings > Company Preferences > Accountant.
• If you're not submitting as an agent, you must clear the Submit as an agent check box in Settings > Company Preferences > CIS.

If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The forename is invalid.

What this message means

The Forename box in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT contains an invalid character.

How to resolve

Check the Forename box in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT. Remove any invalid characters, HMRC validation rules state that this field must contain the Forename for a person, between 1 and 35 characters, comprising of A to Z, ' or -. Once you remove the invalid characters try the submission again. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

The number is invalid.

What this message means

This happens when the CIS or VAT contact telephone number includes non-numeric characters, for example, +44(0)1494 813205.

How to resolve

Remove any non-numeric characters from the Telephone box within Settings > Company Preferences > CIS or VAT. Try the submission again. If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

Online submission failed or was not completed. Do you want to try again?

What this message means

This occurs when Microsoft .NET 3.5 isn't installed or is damaged.

How to resolve

1. Check that .NET 3.5 SP1 is installed or enabled on the computer.
   
   Windows 8 and 10 - Windows key + X > Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) > to enable, select the check box.
   
   Windows 7 - Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 > to enable, select the check box.
   
   Windows Vista - Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features.
   
   Windows XP - Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
2. If it's installed or enabled go to step 3.
   
   If it isn't installed, install it from the Miscellaneous updates section of www.sage.co.uk/accountsupdates and attempt the submission again.
   To install Microsoft .NET - Windows Vista and belownull;null;Install
   1. Close all programs on the computer.
   2. Browse to www.sage.co.uk/accountsupdates > Miscellaneous updates.
   3. Download and install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
3. If the same message appears, uninstall all .NET frameworks from the PC.
   To uninstall Microsoft .NETnull;null;Uninstall

   NOTE:If you're removing more than one version of .NET, you must remove the most recent version first. Before removing any versions, advise the customer that removing them may impact on other programs installed, so they must reinstall each version that's removed.

   1. Close all programs on the computer.
   2. Start > Settings > Control Panel.
   3. Add / Remove Programs > Select the Microsoft .NET Framework you want to remove > Change / Remove.

      NOTE:Windows 8 & 10 - To turn off Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows key + X > Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) > clear the check box.
      
      Windows 7 - To turn off Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1, Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 > clear the check box.

   4. Select Uninstall > Next > Yes.
   5. Finish.
4. Browse to C:\Windows\System32 or if you've a 64-bit operating system browse to C:\Windows\syswow64.
5. Right-click and Rename the following files, adding .old to their file name:
   • SgE.interop.MSXML2.dll
   • SgEData.dll
   • SgEEncrypt.dll
   • SgELauncher.dll
   • SgEMailbox2.dll
   • SgEMailbox.dll
   • SgEMailConfig2.dll
   • SgEMailConn2.dll
   • SgEMailConn.dll
   • SgESchema.xsd
   • SgESign.dll
   • SgESubmitter.dll
6. Uninstall Sage 50 Accounts.
7. Starting with the earliest version, reinstall all versions of Microsoft .NET from the Miscellaneous updates section of www.sage.co.uk/accountsupdates. To reinstall Microsoft .NETnull;null;Reinstall

   1. Close all programs on the computer.

   2. Browse to www.sage.co.uk/accountsupdates > Miscellaneous updates.

      NOTE:Windows 8 & 10 - To turn on Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows key + X > Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) > select the check box.
      
      Windows 7 - To turn on Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1, Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 > select the check box.

   3. Download and install the Microsoft .NET Framework you want to install.

8. Reinstall Sage 50 Accounts.

   NOTE:If you've any other Sage software installed, you may also need to reinstall this software.

If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.

Message

Error 500 - Internal server error

What this message means

You can get this message for the following reasons:

• VAT registration number wrong.
• You're not registered for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT with HMRC.
• Access or security issues

How to resolve

• Enter your VAT registration number again, making sure no spaces are included.
• Check you received an email from HMRC to confirm you've successfully signed up for MTD. This may take up to 72 hours and you must wait for this email before you submit your VAT Return.
• Log on the the computer as an adminstrator and try again

If the issue persists, please contact HMRC to find out why they are not accepting your MTD submission.

Message

Error 400

What this message means

You can get this message for the following reasons:

• VAT registration number wrong.
• You're not registered for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT with HMRC.

How to resolve

• Enter your VAT registration number again, making sure no spaces are included.
• Check you received an email from HMRC to confirm you've successfully signed up for MTD.

If the issue persists, please contact HMRC to find out why they are not accepting your MTD submission.

Message

When logging in to the HMRC website as part of your MTD VAT submission, the following message appears:

'An error has occurred when communicating with the submission service. Please try again later.'

Clicking Details shows:

'Error 403 - The client and/or agent is not authorised.'

What this means

Several reasons can cause this message.

How to resolve

Follow the steps in the An error has occurred when communiciating with the submission service article.

Message

Error code: TAX_PERIOD_NOT_ENDED

What this message means

This occurs if you attempt to submit your VAT Return for a VAT period that has not yet ended.

How to resolve

In the Submit your period drop-down, click the correct VAT period.

Message

The remote endpoint has indicated no data can be found.

What this message means

This occurs if HMRC have no open obligation periods for you to submit for.

How to resolve

If this message appears, you must contact HMRC and ask them to open the VAT period you are attempting to submit for.

Message

The VRN specified [VRN] was not found.

What this message means

This occurs if you've signed up with HMRC for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, but you haven't yet activated MTD within Sage 50 Accounts.

This error can also occur if you are using the MTD module but try to submit throught the old Government Gateway using the Sage 50 Accounts VAT Return.

How to resolve

To resolve this, you must activate MTD within Sage 50 Accounts, then retry the submission.

If you are using the MTD module, rather than Sage 50 Accounts, make sure you submit your VAT Return using the module and not through the Sage 50 Accounts VAT Return.

Message

Unable to send request. Cannot open Internet connection. Unknown 12007

What this message means

This occurs if you've signed up with HMRC for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, but you're trying to submit your VAT Return through software that's not MTD compliant.

How to resolve

1. Check that you've installed either Sage 50 Accounts or the Sage MTD Submissions Module.
2. Ensure you have the latest software updates installed.