How landlords connect HMRC software

To submit quarterly updates under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, your software needs to connect to HMRC. This guide explains how the connection works, what HMRC authorises, and what you can do once connected. Reviewed May 2026.

Why a software connection is required

HMRC requires MTD submissions to go through recognised software that connects to their Making Tax Digital API. You cannot submit quarterly updates by logging into the HMRC website and entering figures manually — the submission must come through compatible software.

The software acts as the authorised channel between you and HMRC. You review your records in the software and submit from there.

What “customer-direct” means

When TenancyVault says the connection is customer-direct, it means:

• You authorise TenancyVault to connect to your HMRC account
• There is no agent, accountant, or intermediary in the connection
• You control which software has access and can revoke it at any time from your HMRC account

This is different from agent authorisation, where an accountant connects to HMRC on your behalf. The current TenancyVault connection is for landlords who manage their own MTD records and submissions.

What you need before connecting

Before connecting your software to HMRC, you need to have:

1. A Government Gateway account — this is the login you use to access HMRC online services
2. Completed HMRC’s MTD sign-up — this is a separate step from just having a Government Gateway account. You enrol in MTD on the HMRC website. Your software cannot do this step for you
3. Your NINO ready — your National Insurance number is used to link your property income to your MTD record

How the connection works in TenancyVault

1. In TenancyVault, go to the MTD section and initiate the HMRC connection
2. You are directed to HMRC’s authorisation page
3. You log in with your Government Gateway credentials and grant permission for TenancyVault to access your MTD data
4. You are returned to TenancyVault — the connection is established
5. TenancyVault syncs your MTD status and linked property business sources from HMRC

What HMRC syncs

After the connection is authorised, TenancyVault retrieves:

• MTD status — whether HMRC has confirmed you as enrolled and active for MTD for Income Tax
• Property business sources — the business sources HMRC has linked to your account (for example, UK property income). These are the sources you file quarterly updates against

What you can do once connected

• Check that your MTD status is confirmed
• Review your linked property business sources
• Submit quarterly updates to HMRC
• Amend a previously submitted quarter
• Retrieve HMRC calculation feedback after submission

What if HMRC has not confirmed your MTD status?

If your status is not confirmed — for example, because you have not yet completed HMRC’s sign-up — TenancyVault shows a warning. You can re-sync your status once HMRC confirms it.

See the guide: What to do if HMRC has not confirmed your MTD status

Common mistakes

• Connecting before completing HMRC sign-up — the software can authorise the connection but you cannot submit until HMRC has confirmed your MTD enrolment
• Using an agent’s Government Gateway account — if you are connecting your own account, use your personal Government Gateway login
• Not checking your business sources after syncing — HMRC may show a different set of business sources than you expect; check they match your properties before filing

Not legal or tax advice. This guide is for information only. Consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser for guidance on your specific situation.