How to Sign Up for MTD on GOV.UK, Step by Step

Before you can use any MTD software, including flonancial, you need to sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax with HMRC. It's a separate step from your normal Self Assessment, and HMRC won't let software connect until it's done. Here's how it works now.

Has HMRC already signed you up?

Since September 2026 HMRC has been signing up people who must use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax for 2026 to 2027 but hadn't done it themselves, using the information it already holds. If you've had confirmation from HMRC, you don't need to sign up again. Check the details HMRC holds are right, then go straight to choosing software.

What you'll need

• Your Government Gateway user ID and password, ideally the one you use for Self Assessment
• Your National Insurance number
• Details of each self-employment business and your UK property business
• Your phone and your current passport or driving licence, in case HMRC asks for extra proof of identity

Step 1: Go to HMRC's sign-up page

Use HMRC's guidance page, Sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, and follow the link to the online service.

Step 2: Sign in and prove your identity

Sign in with your Government Gateway details. If HMRC needs more proof of identity, you'll be asked to use an app on your phone to provide details of your passport or driving licence. Since 13 October 2026 you can no longer do this by answering security questions. If you can't confirm your identity this way, contact HMRC.

Step 3: Check your income sources

HMRC shows the self-employment and property income it has on record. Check each business is there and correct, and add anything missing.

Step 4: Confirm and finish

Review your answers and submit. Keep HMRC's confirmation. Until the sign-up has finished, software can't fetch your businesses or send updates.

What happens next

Once you're signed up, connect your software. In flonancial you create a free account, add your National Insurance number, and click Connect HMRC. You sign in on HMRC's own page, so flonancial never sees your password.

Common issues

• "You've already signed up": HMRC, an agent or an accountant may already have done it. Go straight to connecting your software.
• The identity check fails: make sure your passport or driving licence is current and the app has camera access. If it still fails, contact HMRC.
• Software says HMRC hasn't authorised the connection: the sign-up usually isn't finished, or you signed in with a different Government Gateway account. See what to do when HMRC hasn't authorised the connection.