Connecting to HMRC: what that permission screen means

Before any MTD software can file for you, HMRC requires you to grant it permission, once, on HMRC’s own website.

First, the step this one doesn’t replace

Connecting software is authorisation, not enrolment. It tells HMRC “this software may act for me”; it does not tell HMRC you are joining Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. That is a separate sign-up on HMRC’s side, and if you skip it the connection will work perfectly and then show you no quarters to file. Do that first: signing up for MTD with HMRC.

What you’ll see

• You press “Connect to HMRC” in the software and are sent to HMRC’s own site (the address starts with a gov.uk domain).
• You sign in with your Government Gateway user ID and password. The software never sees them.
• HMRC asks: do you grant this software permission to view and send your Self Assessment information? You press “Grant authority”.
• You’re sent straight back to the software, connected.

What the permission actually allows

Two things, and only these: reading your MTD obligations (which quarters are due and whether HMRC has received them), and sending the updates you explicitly file. It can’t see your other taxes, change your details, or file anything you haven’t pressed the button on.

Can I undo it?

Yes, two ways: disconnect inside the software (in QuarterFile: Settings → HMRC connection), or revoke the permission from your own HMRC online account. The permission also expires on its own every 18 months, and you just re-grant it when asked. That’s normal, not a fault.

Have your National Insurance number handy. HMRC’s systems use it to find your business records the first time you connect.

QuarterFile’s own connection screen opens when filing does, for the 7 February 2027 quarter. Until then, join the reminder list and we’ll email you the day it opens, or read how to file your first quarterly update.