Common online submissions error messages (UK only)

When you submit your VAT Return online to HMRC, the VAT Return is validated. If the VAT Return does not pass this validation, the submission fails. The HMRC sends back an error code highlighting the reason for the failure of the submission.

Here is a list of common error codes associated with the VAT Return.

Code	Description	Notes
0	Unable to connect to Gateway	The Internet Submissions module cannot connect to the Government Gateway. Check your Internet connection. Your Internet security software may be blocking messages sent to the HMRC. If you access the internet via a proxy server or router. Access to the Government Gateway may be blocked.
1001		There are invalid characters such as spaces in the submission credentials, such as the telephone number or contact name. The telephone number cannot contain any letters such as 'ext'. The contact name cannot contain any numbers or characters such as '-'. If you receive this message, edit your contact details.
1046	The supplied user credentials failed verification for the requested service.	The Government Gateway does not recognise the User ID or Password. Re-enter the details, ensuring the you have entered the ID and password correctly.
1101	The VRN specified was not found.	The VAT registration number is not correct.
1102	The open period specified for the VRN was not found.	The return has been submitted for a future period. Check that you are not submitting the VAT Return before the end of the period. For example, if your VAT period runs from 1 May to 31 July, the earliest date that you can submit the return is 1 August. Check that you have not already submitted information for this period previously.
1201	The declaration submitted is for a period over six years old.	Check the dates on the VAT Return you are trying to submit. They should not be more than six years old.
1202	The declaration submitted is for a future period.	Either the dates used in the VAT Return or EC Sales List are in the future, or your PC date is set to a future date. Check the dates used for the VAT Return. They should not be dated beyond the date on which you are making the submission. For example, if your return is for the period 1 May until 31 July, you can not submit until 1 August at the earliest. Check your PC settings to ensure that the date is correct.
2	The currency code specified is not supported.	The currency is not set to GBP. Online submissions only use GBP. Check that your Sage 200 base currency is set to GBP.

Sage is providing this article for organisations to use for general guidance. Sage works hard to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication and strives to keep all supplied information up-to-date and accurate, but makes no representations or warranties of any kind—express or implied—about the ongoing accuracy, reliability, suitability, or completeness of the information provided.

The information contained within this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Sage assumes no responsibility for any action taken on the basis of the article. Any reliance you place on the information contained within the article is at your own risk. In using the article, you agree that Sage is not liable for any loss or damage whatsoever, including without limitation, any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental loss or damage, arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this information.