NOTE: The main reason this can occur is when the Gateway is busy at the time of your submission and can't validate your details. We recommend trying the submission again when the Gateway may be less busy. 

It can also occur if:

• You enter your user ID and password incorrectly in e-Submission Settings
• HMRC update your tax district/reference but you haven't updated it in your software
• You select the Submit as an agent check box when you're not registered with HMRC as an agent

TIP: In some cases, where the details are found to be correct, running a Data Repair has been found to resolve the error. Look after your data >

We recommend you check the following then try the submission again.

1. Click e-Submissions then click e-Submission Settings.
2. Check the details here are correct.
    NOTE: If the tax/dist reference is incorrect, contact Sage technical support for advice on editing this. 
3. Remove and re-enter the User ID and Password.
4. Click the Contact Details tab then, if you're not registered as an agent with HMRC, ensure the Submit as an agent check box is clear.
5. Click Save then click Close.
6. Click Company Settings, then the HMRC payments tab.
7. Check the Accounts Office reference number.
8. Retry the submission.

Submission wizard

In some cases, re-entering the User ID and password during the submission wizard can also resolve the error. Try again to submit the FPS and delete then re-enter these details on the Check Your Details window before continuing. 

Issue persists

If the issue persists after trying the above we recommend the following:

1. Log in to the Government Gateway at online.hmrc.gov.uk and check your tax district and reference are the same as the details in your e-Submission Settings.
2. Check that the status of your PAYE for Employers service is active.
3. Temporarily disable your firewall and/or anti virus software and try the submission again. Once you've tested this make sure you re-enable your security software. If this resolves the issue, check your antivirus software to avoid conflicts with Sage 50 Payroll.
4. If possible, try to send the submission on another computer. This is to test whether something else on your computer is causing the issue.

If the issue still occurs, contact HMRC for further advice on what's preventing the submission.