Common causes

The most common reasons for error 1046 are:

• Your username and/or password don't match the details held on the Government Gateway
• You entered incorrect information in the client's tax details
• You entered your client's email address incorrectly
• The Government Gateway is busy at the time of submission and can't validate your details
• If you have £ symbol in your password

Steps you can take

• Make sure you can access the Government Gateway using the user ID and password you have entered in Sage Control Centre.
• Make sure you have activated your account on the Government Gateway.
• Check that your Online Filing Credentials match for each return you are submitting.

In Control Centre, from the menu bar, select Tools, Online Filing (FBI), Online Filing Credentials for each return and enter the Administrator Password - this may be egas or ibis. Check that your HMRC Online Service user ID is correct and re-enter your Gateway password.

We often find customers may update their details for (e.g.) the SA100, but some time later find they are unable to submit (e.g) an SA800 because these details haven't been updated.

• Your password must be 12 characters or less.
• Check you are not using the same user name and password for two or more different pieces of tax software.
• Ensure that your tax reference and district number are correct and match the details that HMRC have for you.
  
  You can view and amend these details from within Sage Control Centre.
  1. From the menu bar, click File, then click Dataset Properties.
  2. Click the Practice Details tab, then click View Practice Client.
  3. Click the Tax Details tab, check and amend the required information, then click OK.

  If you have been advised that your tax district or reference has changed during the tax year, make sure that this matches the information HMRC have for you. Also check you have not entered your tax reference in lower case.

• Check that your practice email address is correct and matches the one you have registered with HMRC for Filing By Internet.

As shown above click View Practice Client from Dataset Properties, then click the Contact tab. Check and amend the required information, then click OK.

• Make sure you are not using your Trust, Partnership or other clients' Unique Taxpayer Reference numbers in error, in the SA100.
• Log on to the Government Gateway and check the liabilities and payments section. This will show if a particular return has been submitted. Only users with agent credentials can check this.

I'm still getting a 1046 error

If you're still receiving a 1046 error after checking these details and re-submitting, you will need to contact HMRC on 0300 200 3600 for further advice, as you may need a new password or user name.

It's important to note that although the error is displayed within the software, it is generated by HMRC's servers and not Sage Taxation.

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