When you submit your VAT Return under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, you may receive the following submission error:

'Internal Server Error'

In the first instance, check the HMRC system status page for any current issues, and if required, try again later.

• HMRC may be experiencing service issues - For more information, check their system status page >
• VAT registration number wrong - enter your VAT registration number again, making sure no spaces are included.
• You're not registered for MTD with HMRC - ensure you received an email from HMRC to confirm you've successfully signed up for MTD. This can take up to 72 hours. If you can't find your confirmation email, contact HMRC and confirm you've signed up.
• Check if HMRC have received the submission - in many cases, despite this message, HMRC may have received your submission successfully. Check with HMRC to see if they've received the submission, and if they have, in the VAT Return for the relevant period, click Mark as submitted.

If you've successfully signed up for MTD, we recommend you try the submission again later.

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