When submitting your VAT Return under MTD, the following message may appear:

'Error code: TAX_PERIOD_NOT_ENDED'

This can occur for the following reasons:

• You attempt to submit your VAT Return for a VAT period that has not yet ended
• If you select the incorrect VAT period when submitting your VAT return in the MTD portal
• When you try to submit your VAT return too early. For example, if your VAT period covers January, February and March, you can't submit the VAT Return until April.    

TIP: It is not possible to shorten or extend your VAT periods by selecting or entering different date ranges. Sage 50 Accounts can only submit your data to HMRC once the relevant VAT period has already ended. This is by design and is mandated by HMRC. 

To resolve this, there are a few things you can check:

• Make sure you've calculated your VAT Return for the correct period. In your Sage 50 Accounts software, click VAT then check the Period column for the VAT Return you're submitting.
• During the VAT submission process, when you select the Submit your period drop-down, ensure you click on the correct VAT period. You may need to click on the drop down arrow and then select the correct VAT period.
  
  
  
  If the VAT obligation periods showing are incorrect, please contact HMRC.