Gateway Response Window
HMRC Communications enables the automatic transmission of information to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) via the Internet. When HMRC Communications have been set up and activated, you will be able to use this feature to:
check for any message responses from the government gateway regarding the EC Sales List and the VAT Return
retrieve, download and print any message responses regarding the EC Sales List and the VAT Return.
Before Using this Feature
To use the feature:
You must register to transmit documents to HMRC by XML. You can do this via HM Revenue & Customs at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/online/index.htm
The User ID and Password, issued when you register with HM Revenue & Customs, should be entered on the Comms tab of the Company Details window. This will enable Access Accounts to connect for communications.
You will need a working Internet connection.
HMRC Online
Go to HMRC Online and choose from the drop-down menu options:
EC Sales List, or
VAT Return.
Make your selection and the following message is displayed: ' checking for messages from HMRC'. You may have to wait while Access Accounts checks for response messages that relate to the option you have selected. If a response is received within the polling time of 2 minutes then the Gateway Response screen is displayed. If there are no messages, you will receive the following message: 'There are no outstanding XML messages.'
Gateway Response Window
The message header contains important information about the data received by HMRC including the IRmark. This is a unique reference issued by HMRC to confirm receipt of the data.
Download and Print HMRC Responses
You are able to print and/or download HMRC responses from the HMRC Online Gateway Services window. We recommend that you do this for your records.
XML Submissions and Replies
All XML communications sent by you to HMRC and all HMRC responses sent to the HMRC Online Gateway Services window are automatically stored in your local Access Accounts Reports folder. The files can be identified as XML documents with the date and time clearly identified. Note that HMRC responses will have REPLY as part of the name.