Skip to:

• HMRC User ID?
• Businesses exempt from MTD
• Check your VAT settings
• Authenticate your software with HMRC
• Fix authentication errors

HMRC User ID?

Your HMRC User ID is provided by HMRC when you sign up for the government's online services.

It's part of the Government IT system that lets you register you business for VAT. If you're not sure whether you have an HMRC User ID, visit the use a Government Gateway User ID page. It gives clear steps to check if you already have one or need to sign up.

Businesses exempt from MTD

If HMRC confirm you're exempt, you don't need to authenticate your software with HMRC.

Check your VAT settings

Make sure your VAT scheme and VAT Registration Number are correct. To do this:

1. Go to Settings, then Business settings.
2. Select Accounting Dates & VAT.
3. Check that your VAT Scheme is correct.
   
   NOTE:

   If the incorrect VAT scheme shows, follow the steps in this help guide before going any further.

4. Make sure you enter your VAT number correctly. 
5. Once you're happy with the information, select Save.

Authenticate your software with HMRC

You must reauthorise this connection every 18 months. Read how to reauthorise your connection.

1. Go to Settings, then Business settings. 
2. Select Accounting Dates & VAT.
3. From the Making Tax Digital section, select Authenticate.
4. Select I am signed up with HMRC for Making Tax Digital then select Authenticate.
5. Select Continue when prompted and sign in with your Government Gateway credentials.
6. When prompted, select Grant authority. You’ll then return to Sage Accounting. 
7. If you get an error message, look at the next section for help.

Fix authentication errors

While attempting to authenticate with HMRC or submit a VAT Return, if you encounter the following message: 

Check the following:

• Make sure your VAT number is correct within your Settings
• Go to the HMRC website and sign in to your Government Gateway account
• If you can sign in successfully, ensure you're using the same details to authenticate in Sage Accounting
• If you can't sign in to Government Gateway, contact HMRC for further support
• If everything is correct, and you can sign in, try again to authenticate

If you’re still receiving the error, contact HMRC for further support.

• Create and submit a VAT Return
• Recording VAT payments and refunds
• Resubmit a manual VAT Return with Making Tax Digital (MTD)
• Reauthorise with HMRC