Common FPS error messages.

When an FPS is sent there are circumstances where it will return with an error. Firstly, this error message is not from the 12Pay software, once it has polled and communicated with the Government Gateway then any error received will be from the HMRC. So in most scenarios, it would be beneficial to speak with them first before contacting 12Pay support. Here is a list of common FPS error messages that you may receive and their meaning.

“Authentication Failure. The supplied user credentials failed validation for the requested service”.

The only reason you would receive this error is that the information that you have entered under the ‘Employer’ tab will be incorrect, either or all of the following will need to be checked and amended:

• Tax reference number,
• HMRC internet submissions username or password,
• Accounts office reference number.

This information will have been registered between yourselves and the HMRC and therefore we cannot check if this information is correct.

12Pay Support have been told on numerous occasions that the information entered is correct but the authentication error is still being received when submitting the FPS. We are unable to advise you otherwise and if you are adamant that the information is correct then you will need to speak to the revenue.

“This submission cannot be accepted as the date of submission is after 19 April following the tax year to which it relates”.

The revenue set a deadline of the 19th April for your final FPS submission and if you attempt to send one after this date then the HMRC will not accept it. In this circumstance, you will need to file an Earlier Year Update (EYU) to adjust the figures that the revenue hold and instructions on how to do this can be found here.

“This submission cannot be accepted as it does not fall within the eligible filing period”.

This error indicates that HMRC have marked the PAYE as closed and are not expecting further RTI submissions. If you receive this error when submitting then 12Pay Support will not be able to advise you further, you will need to speak to the HMRC to reactivate the scheme.

“You have not been invited to submit this submission type”.

You may receive this message because you have not registered with the HMRC for RTI. You will need to speak to the revenue either to register your details with them or to find out if there are any issues with the details you have submitted during the registration process.