When you make a submission to HMRC, the following error message sometimes appears:

'Error 7806: this submission cannot be accepted as it does not fall within the eligible filing period.'

You're not due to submit to HMRC

This message appears when HMRC aren't expecting your company to start filing Real Time Information (RTI) returns until a later date.

To resolve this, contact HMRC and ask them to check that your RTI start date is correct.

If HMRC are already expecting you to send RTI information, continue to the check your PAYE reference section.

Check your PAYE reference

Your software uses your PAYE reference in submissions, and HMRC validate it. If you entered it incorrectly in your software, you need to correct it.

Take note, that changing the PAYE reference in your software resets the connection to online services. 

1. Go to Company then Settings.
2. In the Settings tab, check the Tax Dist./Ref. field is correct.
   • If it's already correct, continue to the check your e-Submission settings section below
   • If it's incorrect and you haven't set up Sage HR Online Services or Sage Online Bureau, enter the correct reference
   • If it's incorrect and you've set up Sage HR Online Services or Online Bureau, contact Sage technical support for further advice
      NOTE: To find out more, visit the can I change the PAYE reference in an existing company article. 

Check your e-Submission settings

This error can also occur if any of your e-Submission settings are incorrect.

1. Go to e-Submissions then e-Submission Settings.
2. In the Settings tab, clear the User ID. and Password fields to remove all characters and any blank spaces.
3. Enter your valid User ID and Password.
4. Go to the Contact Details tab.
5. If you're not registered as an agent with HMRC, check the Submit as an agent check box is clear.
6. Select Save then Close.
7. Select Company then Settings,
8. Go to the HMRC payments tab.
9. Check the Accounts Office reference number is correct. If not, enter the correct reference.
10. Select OK.
11. Retry the submission.