Things like that shouldn't be a surprise. Even though MTD is supposed to go live on 1st April next year, if you look at their developer site for API details, you'll see it's still marked as beta.
In software terms, beta means a test version (made available to willing guinea pigs)*, which may or may not yet be ready for official release.
* Alpha obviously comes before that, and is generally an internal test version.
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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software
(I only came here looking for fellow apiarists...)
Hi Vince
Im not surprised by them maintenance, just guess Im surprised that they are doing it in the actuallast week of the VAT window when I wouldve thought (could be wrong) that most users are trying to finish their VAT. So would have thought they would want the test results from said users. Plus frankly not to pee off those willing guinea pigs. Of course there is still Wed - Fri to log the VAT but surely such wouldve been better earlier in the month. Given its scheduled rather than urgent updating thats going on. Just dont thing these folk live in the real world. Although for a change there is mention of it on their service issues page.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Good point - I hadn't looked at the dates. That is indeed a bit stupid.
They have a three (and a bit) week period every month during which no VAT returns (or very few, anyway) would normally be submitted, and they choose to do this during the week when people ARE likely to be submitting them.
*Facepalm*
Aside: This also reminds me - something I had forgotten until right now. I need to do my own VAT by the 7th - and (not entirely surprisingly) I've done absolutely nothing on my own accounts since the last quarter! =:o
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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software
(I only came here looking for fellow apiarists...)
Aside: This also reminds me - something I had forgotten until right now. I need to do my own VAT by the 7th - and (not entirely surprisingly) I've done absolutely nothing on my own accounts since the last quarter! =:o
Isn't that par for the course, like plumbers who have broken taps in their houses and builders with half built rooms.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Well, yes - I normally do the work at the last minute, but I'm usually a little quicker at realising the due date is coming up, even if I've done nothing.
The amount I've done since realising on Saturday is... 0% of the work.
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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software
(I only came here looking for fellow apiarists...)
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Have you tried to file Vince? Asking as a client of mine tried and it's showing as if they have signed up for MTD (they haven't) and the system is showing as no return is due which is so clearly is. El seeing if it's connected to HMRC's MTD update or some other daft shenanigans.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
I haven't tried to file - I've literally only just crawled out of bed and made a coffee, so I've yet to make a start on any of my paperwork, let alone reach the point where I can submit! :)
Luckily, though, I submit manually, so I can log in and check my status...
*clicky clcky tappity tap (etc)
[As always, accidentally keys the number the access code is sent from as the access code instead of the access code itself... corrects... gets in]
There's a text-splash offering me to sign up to MTD filling the top half of the visible part of the page, but scrolling down I see the usual button to complete a return, and clicking through it's showing me the 'open' return which I can complete as usual.
Following the link about MTD in the splash, there's a page of info about it, and a section that provides the option to sign up for the pilot, but the text is quite unambiguous, and clearly highlights the need to get compatible software (or make sure what you use is) first - so I was going to ask whether it's possible the client might have done it accidentally, but unless they're a very "special" client (like some of mine, TBH) I'd be doubtful; that warning pretty much pre-empts that question.
Unless, of course, there is someone *at* your clients who has access to their HMRC log-in and who *is* a bit special.
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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software
(I only came here looking for fellow apiarists...)