MTD VAT & Xero - help!

[KimH]

Hi,

I am attempting to do the first MTD VAT return on Xero for 0319 VAT period.
I've registered with HMRC, got the auth code but when I go to the new report format and click on Connect to HMRC - I get the following error. I have checked the settings etc - all appears to be correct. If I go back to the old format, 0319 details are all there....
Anyone encounter this issue and have a possible solution? Can't find a help number for Xero anywhere.... now I know why I normally use Quickbooks Online

Thanks guys,

ERROR:

We could not access outstanding VAT returns from HMRC

• Make sure you connect to HMRC with your new account (created when you sign up to MTD for VAT)
• Check the VAT number is correct in financial settings and try again

Error reference: d9170d5e

• 
  Open financial settingsConnect to HMRC

 

[Nicola Hilton]

Hi,
I've had this teething problem, you need to connect to HMRC again through Xero and they will ask you to confirm you give authority for HMRC to receive the data.
Let me know if this doesn't work and I'll try and talk you through it.

 

[KimH]

Hi,
I've had this teething problem, you need to connect to HMRC again through Xero and they will ask you to confirm you give authority for HMRC to receive the data.
Let me know if this doesn't work and I'll try and talk you through it.

Hi Nicola,
Thanks for responding
I've been through the process of Granting Access a number of times this morning - keeps throwing back the same error. What's puzzling me is that in the error message they refer to using the NEW account that was created when I signed up. Is there a whole new government gateway log in?
So frustrating.

 

[Nicola Hilton]

Hi
You may just need to check your account in HMRC. I remember that when I logged into HMRC after I registered for MTD, the format of the main page changed, which threw me at first, but then I realised it was because of MTD.
Silly question I know but did you enter your activation code?

 

[KimH]

Hi
You may just need to check your account in HMRC. I remember that when I logged into HMRC after I registered for MTD, the format of the main page changed, which threw me at first, but then I realised it was because of MTD.
Silly question I know but did you enter your activation code?

Hi,
Yip, I did the activation on the 4th April 2019.
I've checked the HMRC account - nothing seems out of order, it does look the same as it usually does. What changes did you notice?

 

[Nicola Hilton]

VAT - Making Tax Digital
You can view what you owe, your return deadlines, your payment history, previously submitted returns and make VAT payments.

You can also update some of your VAT details.

View you VAT details

This appeared on my clients pages instead of the normal file VAT return or make payment.

 

[KimH]

VAT - Making Tax Digital
You can view what you owe, your return deadlines, your payment history, previously submitted returns and make VAT payments.

You can also update some of your VAT details.

View you VAT details

This appeared on my clients pages instead of the normal file VAT return or make payment.

Yip, I've got those options as well. I'm just wondering if a step wasn't missed somewhere in the process. Apparently HMRC send a confirmation email and I'm wondering if this hasn't gone through to the Director (his email address is used for correspondence). Do you recall if there was a link you had to click on in the confirmation email you received from HMRC? He's just had surgery and before I bother him to look for the email if it's just a straightforward confirmation with no further action required.

Thanks for the assistance thus far

 

[Nicola Hilton]

Hi Kim,

Yes the email address needs to be verified, so that is probably the issue which is easily recitifed.

Mank thanks
Nicky

 

[KimH]

I've just sent a mail off to my Director - here's hoping it's that simple to fix

I'll give feedback either way.

 

[mpollard]

Did you get this sorted yet? I am having trouble with Xero, HMRC and MTD VAT. I set up my MTD with HMRC and I have been using Xero for years. When I go to my VAT return in HMRC I just get the same message:

Unable to connect to HMRC
HMRC will confirm connection by email when access has been granted. Please come back later and try again. If after 72 hours you are still not connected contact HMRC.

 

[Caroline_Pegden]

Alternative: contact Xero support by email - they're super responsive and helpful.
Go to Xero website and click on Contact us and then on support.xero.com

Caroline

 

[mpollard]

Thanks Caroline, I'm on with that but they are still on with blaming HMRC for the problem and HMRC flatly deny its their end.

 

[Caroline_Pegden]

Argh - sorry to hear... I hope the issue will be sorted out soon for you...

Caroline

 

[DataDear Carl]

Although HMRC are stating a confirmation email will land within 72 hours, we have had clients wait up to 5 working days to be switched onto the new MTD portal. As long as you've completed everything you need to, haven't had any comms and have enough time before your deadline, simply wait a couple of days. If your filing deadline is fast approaching, contact HMRC as they are either escalating approval, or in some cases simply accepting emailed VAT returns.