Streamline Your Tax Matters with a Government Gateway Account
A Government Gateway account is an online service provided by the government that allows individuals and businesses to securely access various government services and information using a single username and password. The Government Gateway account acts as a central authentication system for several online services offered by different government departments, agencies, and local authorities. It enables users to access services such as:
- Filing tax returns and managing tax-related matters with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
- Submitting online forms for various benefits and services provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
- Accessing and updating personal information on the government’s official websites.
- Using online services for businesses, like filing VAT returns, managing Corporation Tax, and more.
Please note that both individuals and limited companies can apply for a Government Gateway user ID, which should be kept somewhere safe for future use.
When to register for HMRC online services
Before you set up your Government Gateway Account, you will get a login for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online services when you register for tax online. You register when you tell HMRC that you want a personal tax account, you are an individual who needs to send a Self-Assessment tax return, have set up a limited company or other organisation that needs to pay Corporation Tax. You also register when you tell HMRC that your business needs to operate PAYE because you’ve started to employ people or charge VAT because your taxable turnover is over £85,000. Once the account is set up, it can be used to access a range of government services securely.
Here’s how to create a Government Gateway Account
Before you start creating a Government Gateway Account, please have to hand:
-
- Mobile Phone / Tablet / PC for online access
- Your National Insurance Number or postcode
- Two of the following forms of identification:
- a valid UK passport
- a UK photocard driving licence issued by the DVLA
- a payslip from the last 3 months or a P60 from your employer for the last tax year
- details of a tax credit claim if you made one
- details from a Self-Assessment tax return if you made one
If you don’t have any of these, you may be able to verify who you are through the multiple-choice questions based on information held on your credit record if you have one (such as loans, credit cards or mortgages).
Step 1 – Copy and paste this link to your browser https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services.
Step 2 – Click on the green ‘Sign In’ button.
Step 3 – Click ‘create sign in details’ found directly underneath the green ‘Sign In’ button.
Step 4 – Enter your email address and press continue. This will send a unique activation code to your email address.
Step 5 – Enter the unique code that you have just been emailed, and click continue. You will then be prompted to enter your name and to set up your password and set up a recovery word. It must be between 6 and 12 characters, with at least one number and no special characters. Once completed this should generate a government gateway ID for you, which is 12 numbers. You should take a note of this and keep it somewhere safe. Click on Continue.
Step 6 – You will need to select the type of account you want to open, which will be individual, organisation or agent. Click on Continue. When you choose the type of account you want to open, HMRC will then send you an activation code to your home address or business address. When you log in again to the relevant tax account and input the activation code, you will then be able to access the relevant tax account.
Step 7 -You will need to provide your name and set up additional security. For the additional security, you need to choose how you want to receive an access code, this can be sent via text message, voice call or authorisation app. Click on the appropriate button and follow the on screen prompts. Once you’ve received the access code you will need to enter this into the relevant box on your screen. Click on Continue.
Step 8 – You will then be asked to complete some security questions to verify who you are. To do this you will need your National Insurance Number or postcode and the forms of identification listed above.
Step 9 – Finally, you choose how to get your legal notices, penalty letters and tax letters which will either be by post or online.
Once all the above steps have been completed you should be logged into your new Government Gateway Account.
Looking for advice on how to create a government gateway account? Get in touch today via email info@passmanleonard.co.uk or call on 01895 434515.
