| Overview |
Before you can submit tax returns or accounts to HMRC or Companies House via BTCSoftware, your filing credentials must be entered in the system. This article explains where to find and complete these settings.
| Accessing Filing Credentials Settings |
- From the top navigation toolbar, go to Administration > System > Options.
- The HMRC and Companies House credential tabs are within this screen.
| HMRC Details & Options |
The HMRC tab contains credentials for Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, and VAT online filing. Complete the following:
- Self Assessment filing details — your HMRC Online Services agent username and password for SA submissions.
- Corporation Tax filing details — your HMRC Online Services agent credentials for CT submissions.
- VAT filing details — your VAT agent credentials and Agent Reference Number.
- HMRC Agent IDs — enter your agent reference numbers as required.
- HMRC Digital Tax Details — options relating to MTD connections and API-based services.
- SA Pre-Population — tick Enable SA Pre-Population to activate the API link that pulls HMRC data directly into SA returns.
| ✔ Tip: If you are filing under MTD for VAT or MTD for Income Tax, the relevant MTD agent credentials and authorisations must also be in place via your HMRC Agent Services Account. These are separate from the standard online services credentials. |
| Companies House Details |
The Companies House tab stores your presenter credentials for online filing of accounts:
- Presenter ID — your Companies House presenter identification number.
- Authentication Code — your Companies House authentication code, used to verify submissions.
| ✔ Tip: If you do not yet have a Companies House Presenter ID and Authentication Code, you can apply online via Companies House. A link to the online application form is available within BTCSoftware on the Companies House details tab. |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: I have changed my HMRC password — where do I update it in BTCSoftware?
A: Go to Administration > System > Options > HMRC Details & Options and update the password in the relevant credential field. Save when done.
Q: My CT submissions are failing with an authentication error — what should I check?
A: Go to Administration > System > Options and confirm your Corporation Tax filing credentials are correctly entered. Check that the username and password match your current HMRC Online Services account credentials.
Q: Where do I enter MTD for Income Tax credentials?
A: MTD for Income Tax submissions use your HMRC Agent Services Account (ASA) rather than standard online services credentials. The ASA connection is managed separately — contact BTCSoftware support for guidance on configuring the MTD ITSA connection.