Connecting Xero to your HMRC account
The authorisation process and what happens if the connection expires
The Xero-HMRC connection for VAT filing is set up once and works automatically. This article explains what it involves.
The authorisation process
We initiate the Making Tax Digital connection from Xero's VAT settings. You receive a prompt to log in to your HMRC Government Gateway account and authorise Xero to submit returns on your behalf. This takes about two minutes. After authorisation, we can access your return obligation periods, submit returns, and view submission confirmations.
What happens if the connection expires
The authorisation sometimes expires and needs renewal. Xero shows a message in the VAT Returns section when this happens. We will alert you when renewal is needed. The renewal process is the same as the initial authorisation: log in to Government Gateway and confirm. The takes about two minutes.
💡 Good to know: The authorisation gives us the ability to submit VAT returns on your behalf. It does not give us access to make payments from your account or view your personal tax affairs. The connection is specific to VAT filing only.
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