Message
When making your Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT submission, the following message appears:
'BAD REQUEST'
What this message means
This message may appear when trying to submit for a VAT period which is not a standard 1, 3 or 12 months.
How to resolve
Check your VAT period is correct. If so, you should download and install the latest version of Sage 50 Accounts.
Message
When logging in to the 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. Please 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, this signifies a non-standard a tax period which cannot be processed, if this occurs you should seek further guidance from HMRC.
How to resolve
To resolve this, please read more.
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. Please 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.
- On the menu bar click Settings, then click Company Preferences.
- If prompted, enter your password then click OK.
- Click the VAT tab then in VAT Reg:
- Enter your correct VAT registration number.
- Remove additional characters such as spaces and dashes.
- 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 that you've the latest update to the Internet Submission module installed. Click Software updates then click Check for internet submission updates
- This message can occur when your Internet security software, for example a firewall, blocks the messages being 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. Sage 50 Accounts - 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 , if your username and password window doesn't appear, then the connection can't proceed. Check with your IT administrator that your proxy server allows access to the following URLs:
The second URL isn't used in HTTP format. If you enter it into the address bar of Internet Explorer the following message appears:'The page cannot be found'. However, it's used in TCP/IP format, so your IT administrator must ensure there's 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 in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT. 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 can appear if there's an incorrect entry in the eSubmissions Credentials.
How to resolve
- Log in to the Government Gateway and check if the VAT Submission option is available.
- Settings then click Company Preferences then click VAT.
- Select everything in the first box then press Delete.
- Press TAB and Delete until all fields are clear.
- Enter the credentials again to ensure there are no spaces in the boxes.
- In the EC Sales section, check that the Branch Identifier and 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.
- Try the submission 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
If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC.
Message
The declaration submitted contains an excess amount 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 has not received an acknowledgement of your submission from the Department within the permitted timescale. Please 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
To resolve this, we recommend checking for blank spaces and invalid characters in CIS Details. Click Settings then click Company Preferences and enter your password if requested. Click CIS then check for spaces and invalid characters in the CIS Details section.
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, or the national insurance number (NINO) is incorrect.
How to resolve
-
Remove the invalid character from the eSubmissions Contact Details in Settings, Company Preferences and CIS.
-
Open the subcontractor record, click CIS and ensure the NINO is correct, then click Save.
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 and Accountant.
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]. Please check.
What this message means
Although it's quite possible for Box 6 to be less than Box 8 our software follows the VAT Non-Form Validation Rules provided by HMRC.
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. Please 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]. Please check.
What this message means
Although it's quite possible for Box 7 to be less than Box 9 our software follows the VAT Non-Form Validation Rules provided by HMRC.
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. Please 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 was not 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 was not found.'
or
'Invalid Trader VRN'
What this message means
HMRC don't recognise the VAT Registration number.
How to resolve
- Check the VAT Reg number is correct in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT.
- 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. Please contact the Sage Customer Experience Department on 0800 073 1747, they will ensure that you are 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. You should 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
- 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. - 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 - Close all programs on the computer.
- Browse to www.sage.co.uk/accountsupdates > Miscellaneous updates.
- Download and install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
- 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.
- Close all programs on the computer.
- Start > Settings > Control Panel.
- 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.
- Select Uninstall > Next > Yes.
- Finish.
- Browse to C:\Windows\System32 or if you've a 64-bit operating system browse to C:\Windows\syswow64.
- 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
- Uninstall Sage 50 Accounts.
- 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
-
Close all programs on the computer.
-
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.
-
Download and install the Microsoft .NET Framework you want to install.
- 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 Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT submission, the following message appears:
'An error has occurred when communicating with the submission service. Please try again later.'
When you click Details, the following details appear:
'Error 403 - The client and/or agent is not authorised.'
What this message means
There are several reasons for this message.
How to resolve
To resolve this, read more.
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
- Check that you've installed either Sage 50 Accounts or the Sage MTD Submissions Module.
- Ensure you have the latest software updates installed.