403 Error when attempting to fetch for MTD VAT returns

The 403 error message can appear in two ways:

• 403 error (Client or Agent not authorised) or
• 403 (Forbidden) TAX_PERIOD_NOT_ENDED

If you are receiving the 403 error (Client or Agent not authorised), there are multiple reasons this error can be returned but HMRCs investigations have shown that in over 90% of cases the reason is one of the following:

• The Government Gateway credentials have been used instead of the new Agent Service Account (ASA) credentials when fetching the period.
• An ASA has not been created
• The ASA has been created but the clients have not been linked (via their Government Gateway)
• The agent has signed up and linked clients but the customer hasn’t subscribed to the Making Tax Digital service.

HMRC advise that the best way of resolving this 403 error is by following this guide.

If you are receiving the 403 (Forbidden) TAX_PERIOD_NOT_ENDED, this is because during the fetch for open periods, you have selected a future period that has not yet closed. When fetching for open VAT return periods, TaxCalc will display the earliest outstanding obligation first. E.g.

Note HMRC implemented a change on 01/07/2019 to display current and next VAT quarter so this is one to be wary of.