Adding a Client
What this is
The Add Client page lets you add a client to your practice and start their HMRC authorisation journey.
What you see on screen
The add client form at /app/clients/add shows:
- Authorisation type - Main agent or Supporting agent
- Client name - required
- Client email - required, so the invitation can be sent
- National Insurance number (NINO) - required, in the format AA123456A
- Postcode - required and matched against HMRC’s records
- Phone and Notes - optional, for your records
The form does not ask for a UTR.
How to add a client
- Open the Client Workspace at
/app/workspace. - Select Add Client.
- Choose the authorisation type.
- Enter the client’s name, email, NINO and postcode.
- Select Add Client.
aligned.tax creates the client and attempts to create an HMRC invitation. If an invitation link is returned, you can review the invitation email before sending it. You then arrive on the client’s workspace page.
Things to know
- NINO format is strict. It must be two letters, six digits, and one letter (e.g., AB123456C). Certain prefixes like BG, GB, NK, KN, TN, NT, and ZZ are not valid.
- Name, email, NINO and postcode are required. Phone and notes are optional.
- NINO format is strict. It must contain two letters, six digits and a final letter.
- Postcode must match HMRC’s records. A mismatch can prevent invitation creation.
- Adding a client does not complete authorisation. The client must approve the HMRC invitation unless HMRC confirms that a relationship already exists.
Common errors
| Error | Cause | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Invalid NINO format” | NINO does not match AA123456A pattern | Check the format - two letters, six digits, one letter |
| “Invalid NINO prefix” | NINO starts with a disallowed prefix | Verify the NINO with your client - some prefixes are not valid |
| “Client already exists” | A client with this NINO is already in your practice | Search your existing client list |
| “Invalid postcode” | Postcode is missing or has an invalid format | Check the client’s registered postcode |
| “Invalid email” | Email is missing or malformed | Enter the address that should receive the invitation |
| “Required field missing” | A required field was left blank | Complete name, email, NINO and postcode |
FAQ
Can I edit a client’s details after adding them?
Yes. Open the client from the workspace and use the client details section. Changing the NINO or postcode may require a new HMRC invitation.
What happens if I enter the wrong NINO?
HMRC authorisation will fail if the NINO does not match HMRC’s records. Double-check with your client before proceeding to authorisation.