HMRC VAT system update woes…

We’ve had several conversations this week with clients who are struggling to log onto the HMRC VAT System. After all of their successes round the implementation of the various support schemes, it seems that HMRC’s tech teams are reverting to their stereotype!

There was planned maintenance on the Making Tax Digital online service over last weekend, which were due to last until Monday.

HMRC had warned that the following would not be possible during the update period:

• sign up for the service
• submit returns
• view previous submissions and payment details
• set up new or cancel and amend existing direct debits
• review and update any business detail
• access agent services

On Monday, it was reported that a new issue had arisen, and a fix was underway. Some elements of the system were restored, which included sign-up and payment, and applications for the VAT Deferral Scheme.

If you’ve been one of those people struggling to get into any aspect of the MTD VAT system over the last few days, it’s nothing you’re doing wrong, and it’s hoped that access will be reinstated at some point today (Thursday).

Thankfully, the planned work was scheduled after the 7th of the month, ensuring that most of the urgent VAT Returns for the month would have been submitted. It has to be hoped though that this work will ensure the system will be robust enough to cope with the increased traffic that will be required once the next steps of MTD become due.

If you’re still having trouble after today, please get in touch in case we can help!