Common HMRC Error Codes when submitting a FPS or EPS

When submitting a FPS to HMRC occasionally you may be met with error codes like the ones below.

This is a list of the most common error codes that may appear on your pay run and how to fix them.

Error Code 1000 - System failure. The submission of this document has failed due to an internal system error.

HMRC's website currently has an issue and to resolve the issue you can wait and try again at a later time or you have the option to contact HMRC directly.

Error Code 1046 - Authentication Failure. The supplied user credentials failed validation for the requested service.

The usual problem with the above error is that there is an incorrect username and/or password for the HMRC gateway being entered. Ensure that your HMRC username and password are correct and try re-submitting the FPS.

If you copied and pasted your ID and password from elsewhere then try deleting and re-entering these details manually.

Incorrect PAYE reference entries. Check that you haven’t entered your details incorrectly.

You may have recently activated your new ID and password - sometimes it may take up to a couple of weeks for HMRC to activate them across their platform.

If the problem still persists then you will need to contact HMRC direct.

Error Code 4065 - Invalid content found at element

Check for any of the following:

Spaces at the beginning of the Business Address

Spaces before first names and last names in employee details

Check an apostrophe is used rather than a closed single quote in surnames such as 'O'Connor'

Check for incorrect National Insurance number

Employees address, check for spaces at the beginning of the address

Error Code 4085 - Value doesn’t have the correct format

Check the same issues as in error code 4065

Error Code 7801 - Accounts Office Ref or PAYE Ref is incorrect

You will need to amend the incorrect Accounts Office Reference number or PAYE Reference number then save it and re-submit the FPS.

Error 7806 - This submission cannot be accepted as it does not fall within the eligible filing period.

This is usually because the scheme hasn't started yet, it was started after the submission date or it has ceased and the cessation date was before the submission date.

You will need to confirm when the scheme was created and registered with HMRC or when the scheme has been ceased. If you don't have these details, you should be able to contact HMRC and they'll be able to tell you. 

If you have any questions or feedback please let us know via support@yourpayroll.co.uk