Workspace Introduction
Get familiar with your Rentalbux workspace and learn how to navigate the platform effectively.
Welcome to Rentalbux! This guide will help you understand the workspace layout and key features to get you started on the right foot.
Before you begin
Before connecting to HMRC, make sure you have the following ready:
- Your HMRC Government Gateway user ID and password
- Your National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- Access to your email account associated with your HMRC account
- Your Rentalbux account should be set up with your business details
The HMRC connection process uses OAuth 2.0 authentication, which is secure and recommended by HMRC. Your credentials are never stored by Rentalbux, and you'll always be redirected to HMRC's official website to authorize the connection.
Step-by-step guide
Navigate to Settings
Log in to your Rentalbux account and go to the Settings section from the main navigation menu. Look for the HMRC Integration or Tax Settings option.
Click "Connect to HMRC"
In the HMRC Integration section, you'll see a button labeled "Connect to HMRC" or "Authorize HMRC Access". Click this button to begin the connection process.
You'll be redirected to HMRC
After clicking the connect button, you'll be redirected to HMRC's official Government Gateway website. This is a secure, encrypted connection. You should see the HMRC logo and a URL starting with https://www.gov.uk/ in your browser's address bar.
Always verify that you're on the official HMRC website before entering your credentials. Check the URL begins with https://www.gov.uk/ and look for the padlock icon in your browser.
Sign in with your Government Gateway credentials
On the HMRC website, enter your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled (which we recommend), you'll also need to enter the code sent to your mobile device or email.
Authorize Rentalbux access
After signing in, HMRC will ask you to authorize Rentalbux to access your tax information. You'll see a page that lists the permissions Rentalbux is requesting. Review these carefully, then click "Authorize" or "Grant Access" to proceed.
The permissions typically include:
- Reading your tax account information
- Submitting tax returns on your behalf
- Viewing your tax calculation history
Return to Rentalbux
After authorizing the connection, you'll be automatically redirected back to your Rentalbux account. You should see a success message confirming that your HMRC connection has been established.
Verifying your connection
Once connected, you can verify the connection status in your Settings. You should see:
- A green checkmark or "Connected" status indicator
- The date when the connection was established
- Options to test the connection or disconnect if needed
Troubleshooting
Connection failed
If the connection fails, try the following:
- Ensure your Government Gateway credentials are correct
- Check that you have an active internet connection
- Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again
- Make sure pop-up blockers are disabled for the HMRC website
- Try using a different web browser
Authorization page not loading
If the HMRC authorization page doesn't load:
- Check that JavaScript is enabled in your browser
- Ensure your browser is up to date
- Try the connection process in an incognito/private browsing window
- Contact HMRC support if the Government Gateway website is down
If you continue to experience issues connecting to HMRC, please contact our support team. We're here to help you get connected and ensure your tax reporting runs smoothly.
Next steps
Once your HMRC connection is established, you can:
- Set up automatic quarterly submissions
- Review your tax calculation history
- Configure submission preferences
- Access your HMRC tax account directly from Rentalbux
For more information on submitting your tax returns, see our guide on Submitting your first tax return.