I submitted my VAT return through MTD, but QB still says "Update your VAT accounting periods..." and asks me to submit the same return. Why?

Thanks for visiting the Online Community, alan-jones.

Let me welcome you first to the QuickBooks family. I can share some information about why you’re getting an error when submitting the VAT return.

Just to clarify, when did you sign up for the MTD? This information will help us determine if the issue is with the activation process or the period of the tax return.

If you’ve just enrolled for the MTD service, wait for 72 hours to enable it, and then you’ll receive an email update for the confirmation. Once it’s activated, you can now submit the VAT again.

However, if the above information is correct, pull up the open return. Then, check if the period is similar to the one you have in the HMRC portal.

To review:

1. In your company, click Taxes on the left panel.
2. On the VAT page, click the Status drop-down and choose Open.
3. Click on the Submit return link to open the form.
4. Review the Accounting period and make sure it matches with what’s entered in the HMRC.
5. If it’s incorrect, change it to the right one.

These steps should get you pointed on the right track.

Please let me know how it goes after following these steps. I want to make sure you're all set with this concern.