I have just tried to submit our VAT return and the pop up box just kept saying it was trying to connect but was busy. In the end I gave up and clicked on the cross at the top. It now says that my VAT return has been accepted, but I've not had to ente

Hi there, @Paul Allen.

Thanks for joining the Community. Let me guide you to the right support. 

We'll have to open your account to trace the status of the VAT return. Since the Community is a public forum and we’re unable to gather personal details for security reasons.

I suggest contacting our QBO Care Team. One of our phone specialists will be able to check this further, and make sure your return is submitted to the HMRC successfully. 

Here's how to get in contact with them:

1. Log in to your QBO company to get the contact details.
2. Go to the Help tab at the top, then click on the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page.
3. Enter contact support in the field box, and choose Let's Talk.
4. Select on how you want to connect with us: Chat or Call us.

For additional reference, I've attached a link below about VAT returns, as well as some FAQs and steps to mark your return as filed if you submit it directly to HMRC:

• Submit a VAT return in QuickBooks 
• VAT for QBO

I'm a post away if you have any other questions. You can reach back to the Community team by leaving a comment below. Have a great day.