Create a Government Gateway user ID

Step by step, what you need, and the common sticking points.

5min read. Reviewed by the Taxpro tax team.

On this page

In short

  • A Government Gateway ID is your login for HMRC online, including your personal tax account.
  • You need an email address and your NI number, and you may be asked to prove your identity, normally with photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.
  • Takes about 10 minutes.
  • Never share the password. HMRC and Taxpro will never ask for it.

Step by step

  1. Go to gov.uk and search personal tax account. Choose create sign in details.
  2. Enter your email and confirm the code sent to it.
  3. Set a password and a recovery word.
  4. Choose two-step verification: text, voice call or the HMRC app.
  5. Prove your identity when asked. This normally uses photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.
  6. Note the 12-digit user ID HMRC shows you.

Common sticking points

  • Identity check fails: try a different document. Payslip details from the last 3 months often work when the passport does not.
  • No UK passport or licence: the credit record route asks about loans and phone contracts.
  • Locked out: use the recover user ID or reset password links; both need the email you registered.

What you can do once in

See every employer and payment HMRC holds, check and change your tax code, claim a P800 refund, file a P87 or authorise an agent. When you start our check you link your account so we can read the record; we never see or hold your password.

Questions

Is GOV.UK One Login the same thing?

It is replacing Government Gateway gradually. Either works for HMRC services during the transition.

I already have one from years ago.

Use recover user ID with the original email.

Check my rebate

Not ready to claim today?We'll email you this guide and one reminder before the 5 April deadline, when the oldest tax year drops off. Nothing else.
Sent. Check your inbox.The guide is on its way. When you're ready, the check takes 60 seconds.
Check my rebate
That did not send. Please try again in a moment.
By sending you agree to our privacy notice. Unsubscribe in one tap.

This guide is general information, not advice about your circumstances. Figures use HMRC rates for the 2026 to 2027 tax year. We are a paid tax agent and not HMRC.

Related guides

Am I owed a tax rebate? The PAYE guideThe five reasons most employed people overpay, and how to tell if one applies to you.
Work mileage tax rebateWhich journeys count, the 55p, 45p and 25p rates, and what your employer paying changes.
Tax refund scams: spot a fakeHMRC never texts a refund link. The signs, the real process, and what to do if you clicked.

Read enough? Check what you're owed.

Free check. No refund, no fee. Average refund £2,972.

Check my rebate
Trustpilot
Taxpro

We are a paid tax agent acting on your behalf. We are not HMRC.

Claims are submitted to HMRC under Self Assessment. You can claim directly from HMRC for free at gov.uk.

Tax Pro Group Limited is registered in England and Wales, company number 15046741. Registered office: Ground Floor, 3 Mary Ann Street, Birmingham B3 1BG. VAT number GB450637596. Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office, registration number ZB697382. Registered with HMRC for anti-money laundering supervision, registration number XAML00000208483. HMRC agent reference CARN 005 1906. We are not authorised or regulated by the FCA; we do not provide financial advice.

We use essential cookies to run the site, and analytics and advertising cookies only if you say yes. How we use cookies