Your HMRC Personal Tax Account is an online portal where you can view and manage most of your tax affairs without needing to call HMRC. It is available to all UK taxpayers and is accessed through the Government Gateway. Setting up your account takes around 10 to 15 minutes if you have the right documents to hand.

What is the HMRC Personal Tax Account?

The Personal Tax Account (PTA) is HMRC's main online portal for individuals. It brings together information about your income tax, National Insurance record, tax codes, Self Assessment returns, and other tax obligations in one place. Most people can manage the majority of their HMRC interactions through the PTA without needing to contact HMRC by phone.

What you can do through the Personal Tax Account

  • Check your current and previous tax codes
  • View your National Insurance record and check your State Pension forecast
  • Manage your Self Assessment registration and file returns
  • Set up or update bank details for tax repayments
  • Check how much tax you owe and when payments are due
  • Set up a Time to Pay arrangement for debts under £30,000
  • Update your address, name, and employment details
  • View PAYE coding notices
  • Claim tax reliefs, including Marriage Allowance

What you need to register

You will need either a UK passport or a recent payslip or P60, and access to your email address and mobile phone for two-step verification. You will also need your National Insurance number, which can be found on previous payslips, P60s, or letters from HMRC.

Step-by-step: creating a Government Gateway account

  1. Go to GOV.UK and search for "sign in to HMRC online services".
  2. Select "Create sign in details".
  3. Enter your email address. You will receive a confirmation code.
  4. Create a password and set up two-step verification using your mobile number or an authenticator app.
  5. You will be given a Government Gateway user ID. Save this securely.
  6. Log in to the Personal Tax Account and verify your identity using your passport or driving licence details.

Two-step verification

HMRC requires two-step verification (also called two-factor authentication) for all Government Gateway accounts. This means you will need to enter a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app each time you log in from a new device. This protects your account from unauthorised access.

Business Tax Account

If you are a business owner, an employer, or a VAT-registered trader, you will also need access to the Business Tax Account. This is a separate portal where you manage VAT returns, PAYE submissions, and Corporation Tax. The Business Tax Account is accessed through the same Government Gateway login as the Personal Tax Account but shows different services.

The HMRC app

HMRC's free app for iOS and Android provides quick access to your National Insurance number, tax credits, Self Assessment deadlines, and PAYE information. It does not replace the full Personal Tax Account but is convenient for quick reference. You log in using your Government Gateway credentials.

Troubleshooting access issues

Common problems when accessing your HMRC account include:

  • Lost Government Gateway user ID: Use the "I have forgotten my user ID" link on the sign-in page. HMRC will send recovery options to your registered email.
  • Phone number changed: If you no longer have access to the number registered for two-step verification, you will need to call HMRC's helpline to verify your identity and reset your account.
  • Identity verification failed: If HMRC cannot verify your identity online, you may need to call the helpline or visit a Post Office that offers the GOV.UK Verify service.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. It is not regulated financial or legal advice. Figures are accurate as of March 2026 and are subject to change. Consult a qualified accountant for advice specific to your circumstances.