Submit a VAT return using MTD for VAT in CCH IFirm

This article shows you how to submit a VAT return to HMRC using Making Tax Digital for VAT in CCH IFirm.

Prerequisites

• The client is enrolled for MTD for VAT with HMRC.

• The firm’s Agent Services Account (ASA) is linked to CCH IFirm.

• The client has authorised the firm to act on their behalf with HMRC.

Steps

1. Open the client record. Navigate to Clients, search for the client, and open their record.
2. Open the VAT section. In the left-hand navigation panel, click VAT.

1. Refresh VAT obligations. If required, click the Refresh icon to retrieve the latest obligation data from HMRC.
2. Open the VAT obligation. Select the obligation with a status of Open or Due.
3. Review and enter VAT figures. Check the values in Box 1 to Box 9 and enter or amend figures as required.
4. Validate the return. Click Validate to check that all required boxes are completed and the calculations are correct.
5. Submit the return. Once validation passes, click Submit.
6. Confirm submission details. Review the summary figures, tick the declaration checkbox, and click Submit to HMRC.
7. Check submission status. Confirm that the return status changes to Submitted and note the HMRC receipt reference.

Result

The VAT return is successfully submitted to HMRC, the obligation status updates to Fulfilled, and the HMRC receipt reference is saved against the return.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Cause	Resolution
HMRC API error: 403 Forbidden	Expired or outdated Agent Services Account credentials	Go to Firm Settings, re-enter the ASA credentials, save, and submit the return again.
Client not enrolled error	HMRC has not yet completed the client’s MTD for VAT enrolment	Wait up to 72 hours for HMRC to process the enrolment, then retry the submission.