Clear Books cannot access your MTD for Income Tax information

Hi Robert,

Unfortunately, you will need to contact HMRC who will be able to provide more detail on why they're returning the error message.

Tommy

They fobbed me off, referring me back to you. I'll just have to switch to alternative software that works and start again from scratch in that case.

"HMRC’s dedicated support team cannot give advice about specific software products. Each product will work differently depending on how much the software provider has developed it. Your software provider should have guidance on how to use their software.

Contact your provider should you need any additional support."

Hi Robert,

Unfortunately, only HMRC can provide the specific reason for the error, as they are responsible for issuing the results associated with the NI number used to authorise.

HMRC is simply not granting access to the MTD for Income Tax information for that NI number, or MTD for Income Tax info does not exist for that NI number; usually if the NI number associated has not signed up for MTD. In either case, you will need to contact HMRC again, as they will be able to provide further clarification on the issue.

Edit: we have also contacted HMRC on your behalf to see if they can confirm if you are set up for MTD for Income Tax. I will get back to you if they are able to shed some light on the matter.

Tommy

Thanks for your help. After digging a bit deeper, I've now been told that I'm not required to submit MTD self-assessment returns, despite the big push to get everyone documenting their income online through dedicated software. So apparently I'm still obliged to inform HMRC of my non-PAYE earnings, necessitating the use of bookkeeping software, but not allowed to use it to communicate with them... one of the major bonuses of employing it in the first place. Their website says I can sign up anyway on a voluntary basis, yet am not offered that option when attempting to apply.

The whole thing is a shambles. One minute I'm told I need to submit returns quarterly, the next just annually. One website says you must declare all income over £5,000, another quotes £50,000.

One of the stipulations of being eligible for MTD is having previously submitted self-assessment tax returns during the last two years, which makes no sense for new businesses or freelancers like me who have up until now always worked for companies with payroll departments that take care of the PAYE deductions for employees. I now do both simultaneously. Hopefully that won't confuse them further.

I suppose what I'll have to do to cover my back and stay legal is use the software to calculate any figures required by HMRC's self-assessment form and then complete and submit this in the old-fashioned way via my government gateway portal.