As HMRC continues to move more of its services online through Making Tax Digital (MTD), it’s becoming increasingly important for every taxpayer to have their own Government Gateway account.
Whether you’re self-employed, a landlord, or a company director, having your own account allows you to access your tax information securely and enables your accountant to request the authorisations needed to deal with HMRC on your behalf.
A Government Gateway account is your secure online account with HMRC. It gives you access to a range of tax services, including:
It also allows you to view your tax information, manage your HMRC services and receive important communications from HMRC.
Even if you have an accountant, you’ll still need your own Government Gateway account.
HMRC now requires many services and authorisations to be completed through your Government Gateway account before your accountant can act on your behalf. Without the correct authorisations in place, your accountant may not be able to access your tax information or contact HMRC regarding your affairs.
Having your own account also allows you to access your tax information whenever you need it and helps ensure any HMRC requests can be dealt with promptly.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s programme to modernise the UK tax system by moving more tax services online.
As MTD continues to expand, your Government Gateway account will become increasingly important for managing your tax affairs and linking your tax services with compatible accounting software.
To help protect taxpayers from fraud and identity theft, HMRC has introduced additional security checks.
If you’re creating a new Government Gateway account or adding tax services such as VAT or Self Assessment, you’ll usually be asked to verify your identity before access is granted.
This may involve using the GOV.UK ID Check app or confirming your identity using documents such as your passport, driving licence or information held by HMRC.
These checks must be completed by you, as your accountant cannot verify your identity on your behalf.
If you’re unsure whether you already have a Government Gateway account, need help creating one, or aren’t sure how to add your tax services, your accountant will be able to guide you through the process.
Having your Government Gateway account set up correctly will help ensure your tax affairs can be managed efficiently now and as HMRC continues to expand its digital services.
If you don’t already have a Government Gateway account, you can create one online in just a few minutes using HMRC’s official registration service:
Create a Government Gateway account
Once your account has been created, you’ll be able to add the relevant tax services.
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