HMRC Personal Tax Account Set Up: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Taxpayers
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set up your HMRC personal tax account — including what you need, how to register, and the benefits of having one.
Accessing Your Personal Tax Account
Setting up your HMRC personal tax account is essential for managing your UK tax affairs quickly, securely, and efficiently. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or receiving pension income, your personal tax account gives you real-time access to your tax records and lets you stay on top of your obligations.
What Is an HMRC Personal Tax Account?
The HMRC personal tax account is a secure online portal provided by HM Revenue and Customs. It allows individuals to access and manage their tax details in one place. You can view your income, tax code, National Insurance contributions, and more — all from your desktop or mobile device.
Who Should Create a Personal Tax Account?
You should set up an HMRC personal tax account if you:
Are employed or self-employed
File a Self Assessment tax return
Receive pension income or tax credits
Want to check your State Pension forecast
Need to update your personal or contact details with HMRC
Prefer managing your taxes digitally
Benefits of an HMRC Personal Tax Account
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| View your tax code | Ensure you're paying the right amount of tax |
| Update personal details | Keep HMRC informed of changes quickly |
| Check your income and PAYE | View employment earnings and what tax has been deducted |
| File Self Assessment returns | Submit your return online easily |
| Monitor National Insurance | See your contributions and check for any gaps |
| Claim tax refunds | Request repayments directly through your account |
| Access State Pension forecast | Plan for retirement with up-to-date forecasts |
How to Set Up Your HMRC Personal Tax Account
Setting up your personal tax account is free and usually takes less than 10 minutes.
Step 1: Visit the Official HMRC Sign-In Page
Go to the official HMRC login page:
https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account
Click on "Sign in" or "Create sign in details" if you’re new to the service.
Step 2: Create a Government Gateway Account
To proceed, you’ll need to create a Government Gateway ID, which is your secure login for HMRC and other UK government services.
You’ll need to provide:
Your full name
Email address
A password (you’ll create one)
A memorable recovery word
Once completed, you’ll be sent a Government Gateway user ID. Save this somewhere safe.
Note: If you already have a Government Gateway ID from using other services (e.g. filing your tax return or accessing benefits), you can use the same login.
Step 3: Prove Your Identity
To link your identity to your personal tax records, HMRC will ask you to verify who you are. You can usually do this using one of the following:
Option 1: Passport or UK Driving Licence
Provide details such as passport number or DVLA details
Option 2: Credit History Check
Answer questions based on your UK credit history (e.g. loan or mortgage provider)
Option 3: Payslip or P60
Enter details from a recent payslip or P60
You may also need:
Your National Insurance number
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you're registered for Self Assessment
Step 4: Access Your Personal Tax Account
Once your identity is confirmed, you can log in and access your full HMRC personal tax dashboard.
You’ll be able to:
View your PAYE tax codes
Check and update your address
Monitor tax payments and repayments
Submit tax returns (if applicable)
Access your pension forecasts
Troubleshooting & FAQs
What if I forget my Government Gateway ID or password?
You can reset your login details on the sign-in page using your registered email or memorable word.
Is the HMRC personal tax account the same as Self Assessment?
No — but you can access and submit your Self Assessment return through your personal tax account if you're registered.
Can I access my personal tax account from my phone?
Yes, HMRC's site is mobile-friendly, and you can log in securely via your browser.
What if I don’t have a UK passport or driving licence?
You may still be able to verify your identity using financial information such as a payslip, P60, or credit check questions.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Free to use: The HMRC personal tax account is completely free and accessible 24/7.
- Easy setup: Set up with a Government Gateway ID and a few personal details.
- Comprehensive dashboard: Check tax codes, update information, claim refunds, and more.
- Secure: Your data is protected with multi-factor authentication and encrypted login.
Why Trust This Guide?
This page is compiled and regularly reviewed by UK tax professionals and content writers specialising in personal finance, tax compliance, and government digital services. It references official HMRC documentation, Government Gateway standards, and real-world tax filing experience to ensure accuracy and relevance.