Fix a rejected VAT submission

If HMRC does not accept a submission, the error appears in the Submit VAT Return to HMRC dialog and nothing is recorded as filed. Rejections almost always come down to authorisation or timing, not your figures.

Common messages and fixes

• Already filed for this period. HMRC has a return for this period, perhaps filed elsewhere or by your accountant. Do not resubmit - record it with Mark a return as filed instead.
• Not authorised for MTD VAT. The Government Gateway account you connected with is not enrolled for Making Tax Digital VAT, or is the wrong account for this business. Check your enrolment in HMRC online services, then reconnect from Integrations with the right account.
• No HMRC obligation found for the period. HMRC has not opened this period for filing yet, or your periods do not line up with HMRC's. Check Return periods on the VAT Dashboard, and see VAT periods and due dates.
• The period has not ended yet. HMRC only accepts a return once its period is over. Wait for the end date to pass.
• Connection or authorisation errors. Your HMRC authorisation may have expired. Open the account menu, choose Integrations, and reconnect - see Connect Kontala to HMRC.

For any other message, HMRC's own wording is shown - it usually says exactly what to correct.

Try again

Fix the cause, then choose Submit to HMRC again. Most rejections clear after reconnecting to HMRC.

If a return you believe is due still will not go through, contact our team with the period and the exact message.