Personal Tax Account HMRC

Tax
HMRC Online Services · 2026 Guide

Personal Tax Account HMRC

Want to sign in to your HMRC Personal Tax Account? Discover how to access or set up your account, check your tax code, manage Self Assessment, view National Insurance records and claim eligible tax refunds.

✓ Free HMRC service ✓ Official login link ✓ Updated 2026 guidance
Cat and duck at a computer illustrating how to set up an HMRC Personal Tax Account
Your personal tax information, accessible online through HMRC's secure services.
Check Your Tax Code PAYE income and tax records
Manage Self Assessment Returns, payments and refunds
National Insurance & Pension Contribution records and forecasts
HMRC online services · Updated October 2026

HMRC Personal Tax Account: Sign In, Register & Manage Your Tax

Your HMRC Personal Tax Account is a free, secure online service that lets you check your tax code, review PAYE income, manage Self Assessment, claim eligible tax refunds and access information about your National Insurance and State Pension.

Already registered? Use the official GOV.UK link below. New users can create sign-in details during the process. HMRC will guide you towards Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login, depending on your circumstances.

Official government website: gov.uk · Free to use · The Online Accountants is independent of HMRC.

At a glance

What can you do with your HMRC Personal Tax Account?

Your account brings together many of your personal tax records and HMRC services in one place.

Income Tax & PAYE

Check your tax code, estimated Income Tax and employment income records for previous tax years.

Tax refunds

Check whether you can claim an Income Tax repayment and follow the available HMRC refund process.

Self Assessment

Access your Self Assessment records, manage returns and check relevant tax liabilities and payments.

National Insurance

Find your NI number and access relevant services for checking contributions and voluntary payments.

State Pension

Access State Pension information and check whether voluntary National Insurance contributions could help.

Personal details

Update your name or address, check benefits in kind, and manage relevant allowances and HMRC records.

Important: Not every service is available to every taxpayer. Your options depend on your tax circumstances, registration status and the services HMRC has enabled for you.

Step-by-step guide

How to set up an HMRC Personal Tax Account

You do not need to pay an accountant or a third party to register for a Personal Tax Account.

Visit the official HMRC website

Go to GOV.UK Personal Tax Account and select the option to start or sign in.

Choose your sign-in route

If you already use HMRC online services, continue with your existing sign-in details. If you are new, select the option to create new sign-in details. HMRC will direct you to the appropriate service.

Enter your details

Follow the on-screen instructions to provide your email address and other required information. The process differs between Government Gateway and GOV.UK One Login.

Verify your identity if requested

HMRC may ask you to prove your identity using accepted identification documents or other verification methods. A passport or driving licence may be useful. Follow the options offered on screen.

Access your personal tax records

Once signed in, you can access the services available to you, such as checking your tax code, finding your UTR or managing Self Assessment.

2026 update: GOV.UK One Login is being introduced across HMRC services. Existing Government Gateway users should not automatically create a replacement account. Continue using your current credentials until HMRC instructs you otherwise.

Login explained

Government Gateway vs GOV.UK One Login

HMRC supports two sign-in methods during the transition to GOV.UK One Login. The correct option depends on whether you already have HMRC sign-in details.

FeatureGovernment Gateway GOV.UK One Login
Sign-in identifier Government Gateway user ID Email address
Password YesYes
Existing HMRC users Continue using it if this is your current method Use it if already enabled for your HMRC services
New HMRC users HMRC guides you to the appropriate account creation process
Future transition Being replaced over time Planned long-term government sign-in system

Read our GOV.UK One Login guide for further information about the transition.

Practical uses

How to use your Personal Tax Account

Check your tax code

Access your PAYE Income Tax information and review the tax code HMRC holds for your employment or pension.

If your circumstances have changed, check whether you need to update your income or benefits information.

Find your UTR number

If you already have a Unique Taxpayer Reference, you may be able to find it in your account.

Having a Personal Tax Account does not automatically register you for Self Assessment.

How to get a UTR number →

Manage Self Assessment

Use the relevant Self Assessment service to view, submit or amend returns and check tax due.

Registration may be required before you can submit your first return.

Self Assessment filing guide →

Check refunds and allowances

Review relevant tax records, claim eligible refunds, check Marriage Allowance and update benefits in kind.

Some claims require separate forms or additional HMRC processes.

Which account?

Personal Tax Account vs Business Tax Account

HMRC provides different online services for individuals and businesses. Having a Personal Tax Account does not automatically give you access to every business tax service.

Personal Tax Account Business Tax Account
Personal PAYE and tax codes Business-related HMRC services
Personal Self Assessment access Corporation Tax for companies
Personal tax refunds and allowances Employer PAYE services
Personal tax records and pension information VAT and other enrolled business taxes
Relevant to employees, directors, pensioners and self-employed individuals Relevant to businesses and employers, depending on their registrations

For company directors: You may need a Personal Tax Account for your individual tax affairs and separate business access for your company's Corporation Tax, VAT or employer PAYE.

Help and troubleshooting

Can't sign in to your HMRC Personal Tax Account?

Forgotten your login details?

Use the recovery options on the official HMRC sign-in page. The process depends on whether you use Government Gateway or One Login.

Not receiving a security code?

Check the available verification methods. Government Gateway users may be able to change how they receive access codes.

Account temporarily locked?

Government Gateway accounts may be locked after repeated incorrect sign-in attempts. HMRC advises that these unlock after two hours.

Unable to verify your identity?

Follow the alternative methods offered by HMRC. If you cannot complete the process, use HMRC's official online support channels.

Security

Is the HMRC Personal Tax Account safe?

HMRC uses secure sign-in and identity verification processes to protect your personal tax information. You should still take precautions when accessing your account.

✓ Keep login details private

Do not share your Government Gateway password, One Login password or security codes with anyone, including your accountant.

Using an accountant? Your accountant should use HMRC's approved agent authorisation process. You should not give them your personal HMRC login details.

Frequently asked questions

HMRC Personal Tax Account FAQs

What is an HMRC Personal Tax Account?

It is a free online HMRC service for viewing and managing personal tax information, including Income Tax, tax codes, Self Assessment, refunds and certain National Insurance records.

How do I log in to my Personal Tax Account?

Visit gov.uk/personal-tax-account and follow the sign-in instructions. Use your existing Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login details where applicable.

Is an HMRC Personal Tax Account free?

Yes. HMRC does not charge for creating or using a Personal Tax Account.

Do I need Government Gateway or One Login?

Existing users should continue with their current HMRC sign-in method. New users should follow HMRC's registration instructions, which may direct them to GOV.UK One Login.

Can I find my UTR in my Personal Tax Account?

Yes, if HMRC has already issued you a UTR, it may be available through your Personal Tax Account. You must register separately if you need a new Self Assessment UTR.

Can I file my Self Assessment tax return?

Yes, eligible registered taxpayers can access Self Assessment services to submit and manage their tax returns.

Can I use the Personal Tax Account on my phone?

Yes. You can access HMRC services through a mobile browser or use the official HMRC app, which supports various personal tax services.

Is my Personal Tax Account the same as a business account?

No. A Personal Tax Account covers individual tax affairs. A Business Tax Account provides access to relevant business tax services such as VAT, employer PAYE and Corporation Tax.

Can my accountant access my Personal Tax Account?

Your accountant can act on your behalf through approved HMRC agent authorisation arrangements. You should not share your personal sign-in credentials.

Can I check my State Pension through HMRC?

Yes. Your Personal Tax Account provides access to State Pension information and relevant National Insurance services. Some pension services may open separately.

Professional tax support

Need more than access to your HMRC account?

Your Personal Tax Account helps you manage your tax records, but it does not replace professional tax advice. The Online Accountants can help with Self Assessment, tax returns and more complex personal tax matters.

Official HMRC sources and further reading

Guide reviewed: 6 October 2026. General UK tax information only. HMRC processes and account features may change. Always follow the latest instructions on GOV.UK.

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