Connecting your HMRC VAT account

To file your VAT returns through WeFile, you must first connect your HMRC account. WeFile uses the official Making Tax Digital (MTD) OAuth connection, ensuring a secure and seamless integration.

Navigating to the VAT Section

Start by selecting your company from the dashboard. Once on the company detail page, click into the 'VAT' section. If your company is marked as VAT registered but not yet connected, you will see a prompt to 'Connect HMRC Account'.

Authorising with HMRC

Clicking the 'Connect' button will redirect you to the official HMRC Government Gateway login page. You will need to enter your Gateway ID and password, and complete any Two-Factor Authentication required by HMRC. Once logged in, click 'Grant Authority' to allow WeFile to view and manage your VAT obligations.

Security and Token Storage

WeFile never sees or stores your Government Gateway password. Instead, HMRC provides us with a secure, encrypted digital token. This token acts as a key to access your VAT data and is stored securely in our database using industry-standard AES-256 encryption.

After Connection

Once authorised, you will be redirected back to WeFile. Our system will immediately communicate with HMRC to fetch your historical and upcoming VAT obligations. Within seconds, your VAT dashboard will populate with your open periods and deadlines.