Key takeaways

  • Since 9 February 2026, new HMRC customers without a Government Gateway account sign up with GOV.UK One Login, using an email address and password.
  • Existing Government Gateway users do not need to do anything yet; HMRC says it will contact them when it is time to switch.
  • HMRC's Transformation Roadmap update (July 2026) says it aims to start moving existing individual customers to One Login in 2027.
  • HMRC aims to move agents and organisations to GOV.UK One Login by 2030; agents must keep using Government Gateway until then.
  • A One Login you already use for Companies House or State Pension does not yet work for HMRC if you have a Government Gateway account.
  • You can prove your identity for One Login in three ways: the GOV.UK One Login app, security questions online, or at a Post Office.
  • GOV.UK One Login support is on 0300 373 9020, weekdays 8am to 8pm; HMRC's online services helpdesk cannot fix One Login problems.

HMRC is replacing Government Gateway with GOV.UK One Login, the government’s single sign-in that uses an email address and password. New individual customers have been moved across since 9 February 2026. Existing users do not need to do anything yet: HMRC aims to start moving them in 2027, and agents and organisations by 2030.

What is GOV.UK One Login?

GOV.UK One Login is a single sign-in and identity check for government services. Instead of a Government Gateway user ID of up to 12 characters, you sign in with an email address, a password and a security code.

HMRC’s February 2026 announcement said One Login already covered more than 200 government services. HMRC says that over time it will replace all other sign-in routes to its services, including Government Gateway.

What has changed so far?

New individual customers are the first group to move. The timeline from HMRC and the Government Digital Service (GDS) is:

DateWhat happened
November 2025One Login option added to HMRC’s sign-in pages
9 February 2026New individual customers start using One Login
28 April 2026GDS says more new users will follow over the coming months
27 July 2026HMRC roadmap: all new individuals without Government Gateway now use One Login
2027 (aim)Existing individual customers start to move
By 2030 (aim)Agents and organisations move

The 2027 and 2030 dates come from HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap update, which calls them an “ambition”. They are targets, not fixed dates. HMRC has not said when Government Gateway will close.

Do I need to switch now?

No. HMRC’s One Login guidance says you do not need to do anything differently until HMRC prompts you. Use this list to see where you stand.

  • You already have a Government Gateway account: keep signing in with it. HMRC will contact you when it is your turn.
  • You have a One Login for another service, such as Companies House: still use Government Gateway for HMRC for now.
  • You have never used HMRC online services: choose “Create new sign in details”; you may be directed to One Login.
  • You are a tax agent: keep using Government Gateway for your agent services account.
  • You run a business account: keep using Government Gateway; organisations move later.

What does this mean for agents?

Agents cannot sign in to HMRC with One Login yet. Agent Update issue 139, published 15 January 2026, says agent accounts “will move to GOV.UK One Login at a much later stage”. The roadmap target is 2030.

The change still affects practices today, because new clients may now have One Login rather than Government Gateway details. HMRC’s advice to agents is to tell clients with a Government Gateway account to choose the Government Gateway option, and clients with neither to choose the new user option. See our guide to the HMRC agent services account.

Companies House moved WebFiling to One Login on 13 October 2025, so many directors already have a One Login. That login is separate from HMRC for now. Directors who have verified their identity also have a Companies House personal code.

How do I prove my identity with One Login?

You prove your identity once, and there are three ways to do it.

  1. GOV.UK One Login app. Photograph your photo ID, scan its chip and scan your face. You need an iPhone 8 or newer on iOS 16.7 or higher, or Android 10 or higher. Expired passports are not accepted.
  2. Security questions online. Answer questions about financial products such as bank accounts, loans or a phone contract, and give details from a UK passport, photocard driving licence or UK current account.
  3. At a Post Office. Enter your photo ID details on GOV.UK, then visit a branch that offers the check. You usually get an email within a day.

Who do I contact if One Login goes wrong?

Contact GOV.UK One Login, not HMRC, for One Login sign-in problems. Its support team is on:

  • 0300 373 9020 from the UK, or +44 208 629 0008 from abroad, weekdays 8am to 8pm
  • webchat with an adviser, weekdays 8am to 8pm, or the digital assistant at any time
  • an online contact form, answered by email within 2 days

Have the reference code shown on the contact page ready. Government Gateway problems still go to the HMRC online services helpdesk on 0300 200 3600.

What to do now

  1. Keep your Government Gateway details safe and current; you still need them.
  2. Make sure the email address and phone number on your accounts work.
  3. Be wary of any message asking you to “switch” by clicking a link; go to GOV.UK directly instead. Our guide to HMRC scam calls and texts shows what fake messages look like.
  4. Practices: note on each new client file which sign-in type the client uses.

Frequently asked questions

Is Government Gateway being replaced?

Yes, over time. HMRC says GOV.UK One Login will replace all other sign-in routes, including Government Gateway, but it has not set a closing date.

When will existing HMRC users move to GOV.UK One Login?

HMRC’s July 2026 roadmap update says it aims to begin moving existing individual customers in 2027. HMRC will contact you when it is your turn.

Can I use my Companies House One Login for HMRC?

Not yet, if you already have Government Gateway. HMRC says people with a One Login for another service should keep using Government Gateway for HMRC for now.

Can tax agents use GOV.UK One Login?

No. Agents must keep using Government Gateway. HMRC aims to move agents and organisations to One Login by 2030.

What is the GOV.UK One Login phone number?

It is 0300 373 9020 from the UK and +44 208 629 0008 from abroad. Lines are open weekdays, 8am to 8pm.

Sources

Rates, thresholds and rules in this guide were checked against HMRC and GOV.UK guidance on 6 November 2026. Tax rules change, so check the current position on GOV.UK or with a qualified adviser before acting. This guide is general information, not personal advice.