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SteveLee2
November 6, 2025
Question

Submitting a VAT return I got the error message INVALID CREDENTIALS now the return is locked and I can't attempt a resend. Help!!?

  • November 6, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 5 views

We haven't changed anything in the software since our last submission

1 reply

G
GianSeth_A1QuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
November 6, 2025

Dealing with a locked VAT return after an Invalid Credentials error can definitely stop things in their tracks, especially when nothing has changed on your end.

 

The possible reason for this error is an expired Making Tax Digital (MTD) authorization. HMRC requires you to re-authorize your connection every 18 months for security reasons, as it will automatically expire.

 

Here are the steps to follow:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon.
  2. Select Account and Settings.
  3. After that, Turn off Making Tax Digital.
     


Lastly, reconnect QuickBooks to HMRC using the correct MTD credentials. Then proceed back to the VAT return.

 

If there is anything else I can assist you with, or if you have any questions, please leave a response below.

S
SteveLee2Author
November 6, 2025

Thanks I went to accounts and settings but there wasn't an option to switch off mtd but I noticed our VAT number box was blank. I filled this in went back to VAT and picked the option to view the un submitted return. The green button said resubmit so I did. The screen went white and stayed white. I reopened VAT in a new window and the return had been accepted.

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