VAT Filer- Data Retrieval Error, The Period key is invalid

vat-filer-period-key-is-invalid-error

VAT Filer- Data Retrieval Error, The Period key is invalid

21st November 2021

IRIS VAT Filer: Data Retrieval Error, The Period key is invalid

Our Development team has checked the error logs and this message relates to the ‘Period key’ given by the HMRC systems is incorrect, as this warning comes from HMRC then you will need to contact there support line as most likely they have the wrong period key (as prior enquiries on this have been fixed by HMRC). You can try some KB steps below but if they all fail then you need to contact HMRC.

1. Period Keys come from HMRC and only they have access to it
2. IRIS doesn’t store this key information and nor can IRIS edit or change this period key in the IRIS VAT Filer.

a) We also have this VAT check list if you want to go through this before you call HMRC in case this can fix it (eg Reset your agent credentials and log back in). https://www.iris.co.uk/support/knowledgebase/kb/vat-filer-internal-server-error-or-date-periods-vanish-or-agent-client-not-authorised/

b) Please ensure the clients registration for MTD has been completed successfully via your HMRC ASA login (this is a HMRC rule) https://www.iris.co.uk/support/knowledgebase/kb/vat-authorise-the-software-to-interact-with-hmrc/

c) Access your HMRC ASA account and manually re-authorize your client to use VAT with your company (eg enter their VAT code, their date and confirm) then you must reset your ASA login in the VAT filer(step a.) and check again

d) Ensure you are on the latest IRIS version (help and about), if you need to update check, if the error shows again then reset your ASA again.

d) If you get a Yellow triangle (Rejecteddue to invalid period key etc) as well, read this KB https://www.iris.co.uk/support/knowledgebase/kb/vat-filer-yellow-triangle-for-a-period-rejected-failed-to-submit/

However, if the these fixes provided do not work, then you will need to contact HMRC support: when you get through to them, ask to be connected with a senior member of staff as they will have more knowledge of this subject (If they ask about the ‘period key’ then IRIS VAT filer cannot change/edit this in the software).