AffordableMTD connects to HMRC through an official OAuth process — the same secure method used by all HMRC-recognised MTD software. You sign in to Government Gateway, grant permission, and you're connected. AffordableMTD never sees or stores your Government Gateway password.
How to connect
- From your dashboard, click "Connect to HMRC". This starts the authorisation process.
- Sign in to Government Gateway. You'll be redirected to the official HMRC login page. Enter your Government Gateway user ID and password.
- Grant permission. HMRC will show you what AffordableMTD is requesting access to — specifically, permission to view and submit Making Tax Digital for Income Tax data. Click Grant authority.
- You're redirected back. After granting permission, you'll land back on your AffordableMTD dashboard with a "Connected" status. Your businesses and obligations will begin syncing automatically.
Your connection is secure. AffordableMTD uses HMRC's official OAuth 2.0 protocol. Your Government Gateway password is entered directly on HMRC's website — it is never shared with AffordableMTD. You can revoke access at any time from your HMRC online account.
What permissions does AffordableMTD request?
AffordableMTD requests the minimum permissions needed to submit MTD for Income Tax data on your behalf:
- Read your MTD Income Tax data — to sync your businesses, obligations, and submission history
- Submit MTD Income Tax updates — to send quarterly updates, annual adjustments, and your final declaration to HMRC
AffordableMTD does not request access to your bank accounts, PAYE records, corporation tax, or any other HMRC services.
Entering your National Insurance number
After connecting, you'll be asked to enter your National Insurance number (NINO). This is required because HMRC's MTD API uses your NINO to identify your tax records. Your NINO is stored securely and is only used for HMRC API calls.
Your NINO is in the format AB 12 34 56 C (two letters, six numbers, one letter). You can find it on:
- Your payslip or P60
- Letters from HMRC
- The HMRC app
- Your personal tax account on GOV.UK
Troubleshooting connection problems
"I can't sign in to Government Gateway"
This is an HMRC account issue, not an AffordableMTD issue. If you've forgotten your Government Gateway credentials, you can recover them through HMRC's online services. If you don't have a Government Gateway account, you'll need to create one first.
"Connection failed" or "Something went wrong"
This can happen if the HMRC service is temporarily unavailable — which does occur, particularly during peak times or maintenance windows. Wait a few minutes and try again. You can check HMRC's service status on their service availability page.
"My businesses aren't showing after connecting"
This usually means one of two things:
- You haven't signed up for MTD for Income Tax with HMRC. Connecting AffordableMTD only authorises the software — you still need to be enrolled in MTD through HMRC. Sign up on GOV.UK.
- HMRC is still processing your sign-up. It can take up to 72 hours for a new MTD sign-up to be reflected in HMRC's API. Try syncing again after a day or two.
"I want to disconnect my HMRC account"
Go to Settings in AffordableMTD and click Disconnect HMRC. You can also revoke access directly from your HMRC online account under "Manage your tax agents".
Note: Disconnecting your HMRC account will prevent AffordableMTD from submitting data on your behalf. Your existing submissions and data within AffordableMTD are not deleted — you just won't be able to make new submissions until you reconnect.
Reconnecting after token expiry
HMRC access tokens expire after 18 months. If your token expires, AffordableMTD will prompt you to reconnect — simply click "Connect to HMRC" again and repeat the process. All your existing data and submissions are preserved.
Next step: submit your first update
HMRC connected? Great. Here's how to submit your first quarterly update.
Submission Guide →