Signing Up for MTD VAT

Q: How do I sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT?

Sign in to your Government Gateway account on GOV.UK, navigate to the MTD for VAT sign-up page, confirm your VAT registration number and business details, and submit. HMRC confirms within 72 hours.

Q: What do I need to sign up for MTD VAT?

You need a Government Gateway account, your VAT registration number, your latest VAT Return information, a business email address, and MTD-compatible software ready to connect.

Q: How long does it take for HMRC to process an MTD VAT sign-up?

Allow up to 72 hours for HMRC to process your sign-up. You cannot file through MTD until the confirmation comes through, so plan ahead before your next return is due.

Q: Can my accountant sign me up for MTD VAT?

Yes. Your accountant can sign you up through their Agent Services Account. They will need your authorisation via the digital handshake process before they can file on your behalf.

Key facts

Sign up through your Government Gateway business tax account.
You need your VAT registration number and business details.
Allow up to 72 hours for HMRC to process your sign-up.
Once signed up, you must use MTD software for all future VAT Returns.

Before You Start

Make sure you have:^[1]

A Government Gateway account (the same one you use for other HMRC services)
Your VAT registration number
Your latest VAT Return information
Your business email address
MTD-compatible software ready to connect

Step-by-Step Sign-Up

Sign in to your Government Gateway account on GOV.UK
Navigate to “Sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT”
Confirm your VAT registration number and business details
Agree to the terms and conditions
Submit your sign-up request

HMRC will send a confirmation email, usually within 72 hours.^[1]

Connecting Your Software

After sign-up, you need to authorise your MTD software to access your HMRC account:^[2]

Open your MTD-compatible software (e.g. GoFile)
Select “Connect to HMRC” or similar option
You’ll be redirected to Government Gateway to grant access
Sign in and authorise the software
You’re connected — your VAT obligations will appear in the software

With GoFile: Authorisation takes about 60 seconds. Once connected, your VAT periods, obligations, and submission history all appear in your dashboard.

If You Have an Agent

If an accountant files your VAT Returns, they can sign you up through their Agent Services Account. They’ll need your authorisation (using the digital handshake process) before they can file on your behalf.^[3]

Common Issues

“Already signed up” — if you registered for VAT after April 2022, you may have been auto-enrolled
Wrong Government Gateway account — make sure you use the one linked to your VAT registration
72-hour delay — you can’t file until HMRC confirms your sign-up. Plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT?

Sign in to your Government Gateway account on GOV.UK, navigate to the MTD for VAT sign-up page, confirm your VAT registration number and business details, and submit. HMRC confirms within 72 hours.

What do I need to sign up for MTD VAT?

You need a Government Gateway account, your VAT registration number, your latest VAT Return information, a business email address, and MTD-compatible software ready to connect.

How long does it take for HMRC to process an MTD VAT sign-up?

Allow up to 72 hours for HMRC to process your sign-up. You cannot file through MTD until the confirmation comes through, so plan ahead before your next return is due.

Can my accountant sign me up for MTD VAT?

Yes. Your accountant can sign you up through their Agent Services Account. They will need your authorisation via the digital handshake process before they can file on your behalf.

Sources

Sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT — GOV.UK
Making Tax Digital for VAT — GOV.UK
Get started with MTD for VAT — GOV.UK