Connecting to HMRC
What this is
Before Aligned can retrieve your tax obligations or submit returns on your behalf, you need to connect your account to HMRC. This is a secure authorisation process where you sign in with your Government Gateway credentials and grant Aligned permission to communicate with HMRC for you.
What you see on screen
When you need to connect, you will see a prompt on your dashboard or a dedicated connection page at /hmrc/connect. The page shows:
- A Connect to HMRC button
- An explanation of what permissions you are granting
- Your current connection status (Connected or Not Connected)
How to connect
- Click “Connect to HMRC” from your dashboard or the connection page
- You are redirected to the HMRC Government Gateway sign-in page - this is the official HMRC login
- Sign in with your Government Gateway user ID and password
- Grant Aligned permission to access your MTD data and file returns on your behalf
- You are redirected back to Aligned with your account now showing “Connected” status
Once connected, your dashboard will populate with your tax obligations and you can begin uploading data and filing returns.
Things to know
- You need an active Government Gateway account. If you do not have one, register at gov.uk before attempting to connect.
- Your Government Gateway password is never stored by Aligned. The connection uses a secure OAuth process - Aligned only receives an authorisation token, not your password.
- The connection expires after 18 months. When it expires, you will see a prompt to reconnect. This takes just a few seconds since HMRC remembers your previous consent.
- You can reconnect at any time. If your connection shows as expired or you want to refresh it, simply go through the connection process again.
If something goes wrong
Government Gateway credentials rejected
Make sure you are using the correct user ID and password for your Government Gateway account registered for Self Assessment. If you have forgotten your credentials, you can recover them through gov.uk.
Redirect fails or page shows an error
This can happen if the connection process is interrupted (e.g., browser closed mid-way). Try again from the Connect to HMRC button on your dashboard.
Connection shows as expired
Authorisation tokens expire periodically. Click Connect to HMRC again to refresh your connection. The process is quick since HMRC remembers your previous authorisation.
“Not enrolled for MTD” error
You may need to sign up for Making Tax Digital with HMRC before you can connect. Check your eligibility at gov.uk/guidance/sign-up-your-business-for-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax.
FAQ
What is Government Gateway?
Government Gateway is HMRC’s online sign-in service. It is the system you use to access any HMRC online services, including Self Assessment, PAYE, and Making Tax Digital. If you are already registered for Self Assessment online, you have a Government Gateway account.
Why do I need to authorise Aligned?
HMRC requires that any software acting on your behalf has your explicit permission. This is a legal requirement of Making Tax Digital. The authorisation confirms that you consent to Aligned retrieving your obligations and submitting returns for you.
Is it safe to connect?
Yes. The connection uses the same OAuth 2.0 process that all HMRC-approved MTD software must use. Your Government Gateway password is never shared with Aligned - only a secure token that allows Aligned to communicate with HMRC.