HMRC online accounts: personal tax account, Government Gateway and logins
Find the right HMRC account, recover your Government Gateway user ID and follow official GOV.UK links for personal and business tax services.
In one sentence
Use a personal tax account for individual tax matters, a business tax account for VAT, Corporation Tax and employer PAYE, and Companies House WebFiling for company filings.
Quick answer
- Use the GOV.UK personal tax account for your tax code, Self Assessment, refunds and National Insurance number.
- Government Gateway uses a user ID and password; GOV.UK One Login uses an email address and password for personal tax services.
- Access Corporation Tax, VAT and employer PAYE through the business tax account on GOV.UK.
- Companies House uses a separate company authentication code; authorise an accountant as your agent instead of sharing your password.
Which HMRC account do you need?
RR Accountants is not HMRC. We cannot sign in for you or see your account. Use the GOV.UK links below.
| You want to | Account | Where to sign in |
|---|---|---|
| Check your tax code, Self Assessment, refunds, National Insurance number or State Pension | Personal tax account | GOV.UK personal tax account |
| Manage VAT, Corporation Tax or PAYE for employers | Business tax account | GOV.UK: HMRC online services |
| File company accounts and confirmation statements | Companies House WebFiling (uses the company authentication code) | GOV.UK Companies House guidance |
What is the HMRC personal tax account?
The personal tax account is a free online account for individuals. You can use it to:
- Check your Income Tax estimate and tax code.
- Submit, view or manage Self Assessment returns.
- Claim a tax refund.
- See your income from work and Income Tax paid for the last five years.
- Check your State Pension and find your National Insurance number.
You may be asked to prove your identity. This normally involves photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. The HMRC app gives mobile access to many of the same details.
What is Government Gateway?
Government Gateway is a sign-in system for HMRC online services. You use a user ID of up to 12 characters and a password.
For personal tax services, HMRC also uses GOV.UK One Login. This uses an email address and password. If you already have sign-in details for HMRC, keep using them, even if you use One Login for another government service.
How to get a Government Gateway user ID
Create your sign-in details on GOV.UK
On the GOV.UK sign-in page, choose "Create new sign in details" and follow the steps. It is free. The service will guide you to create Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login details. Businesses usually create a Government Gateway user ID for the business tax account.
How to find your Government Gateway user ID
Check your emails, then use the recovery links
Check old emails from HMRC sent when you created the account. If you cannot find your user ID, use the link for forgotten sign-in details on the GOV.UK sign-in page. HMRC will not tell you your password. If you are locked out, contact HMRC through GOV.UK.
Logging in for Corporation Tax and VAT
Corporation Tax and VAT are both in the business tax account. You access it through HMRC online services.
A company needs its Corporation Tax Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to add Corporation Tax. Read our guide to finding your UTR number.
VAT returns are filed through Making Tax Digital compatible software. The business tax account is for viewing what you owe and managing your VAT details.
What is a Companies House authentication code?
It is a 6-character code that Companies House sends by post to your company's registered office. It authorises online filings, like a signature.
It can take up to 10 working days to arrive. Request it well before your accounts are due. Companies House cannot send it by email or give it by phone.
The company authentication code is different from the personal code you get after verifying your identity with Companies House.
Can an accountant access my HMRC account?
An accountant should not use your sign-in details. Never share your password.
Instead, you authorise an agent to act for you. The agent uses their own HMRC agent services account to access the services you authorise. You can remove an agent at any time.
Rather we dealt with HMRC for you?
Book a 30-minute call. Once you authorise us as your agent, we handle Self Assessment, VAT and Corporation Tax filings through our own HMRC agent account.
Book a call →Frequently asked questions
Which HMRC account do I need?
Use a personal tax account for your individual tax affairs, including Self Assessment. Use a business tax account for VAT, Corporation Tax and employer PAYE. Company accounts and confirmation statements are filed with Companies House separately.
What is Government Gateway?
Government Gateway is a sign-in system for HMRC online services, using a user ID of up to 12 characters and a password. HMRC also uses GOV.UK One Login for personal tax services. Keep using your existing HMRC sign-in details.
How do I find my Government Gateway user ID?
Check the emails HMRC sent when you created your account. If you cannot find it, use the forgotten sign-in details link on the GOV.UK sign-in page. If you are locked out, contact HMRC through GOV.UK.
What is a Companies House authentication code?
It is a 6-character code sent by post to the company's registered office to authorise online filings. It can take up to 10 working days to arrive and cannot be sent by email or given by phone. It is different from your Companies House personal code.
Can an accountant access my HMRC account?
Never share your password or sign-in details with an accountant. Authorise them as an agent so they use their own HMRC agent services account. You can remove an agent at any time.
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