How to Set Up a Personal Tax Account?

Managing your tax affairs is an important part of running your own business, whether you’re a sole trader, landlord, or company owner. With HMRC’s personal tax account, you can handle your tax records online, saving time and reducing paperwork.

This account lets you check your tax code, submit Self Assessment returns, and update your details, all from one secure place.

Setting up your personal tax account is simple, and once you’re registered, you’ll have quick access to important information about your income, National Insurance, and benefits.

Whether you’re new to self-employment or already running a business, having a personal tax account makes staying on top of your tax obligations much easier.

What is a personal tax account?

A personal tax account is an account that individuals set up with HMRC in the UK. The account allows people to sign in to HMRC online services to manage their personal tax affairs, rather than calling or writing to HMRC.

What can I do with my personal tax account?

Once you have set up a personal tax account, it gives you access to a vast range of services, including:

• Checking your details including your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number and your National Insurance number.

• Notify HMRC of a change of name or address.

• Check your current tax code.

• Fill in, view and submit a personal Self Assessment tax return (there is a separate service to file your Self Assessment tax returns)

• Claim an income tax refund.

• Check for benefits and allowances such as Child Benefit, State Pension and Marriage Allowance.

• Manage tax credits.

• See income earnt and how much income tax you have paid in the previous 5 years.

• Look at your National Insurance contributions and determine how much national insurance you’ve paid and if paying voluntary NI contributions would benefit you.

• Check work benefits such as private medical insurance and company car benefits.

Youll need to sign in with your Government Gateway user ID to do all of the above.

Benefits of Setting Up a Personal Tax Account

Creating your personal tax account with HMRC offers several advantages that make managing your tax affairs easier and more efficient. With this account, you can:

• Access your tax information at any time without needing to call or visit HMRC.

• Check your Income Tax estimate and tax code to ensure they are correct.

• Submit and track your Self Assessment tax returns quickly.

• Update personal details such as your address or contact information.

• View your National Insurance record and State Pension forecast.

• Receive notifications about tax payments, refunds, or changes to your account.

• Manage benefits related to your employment, like company car details.

• Avoid delays by handling many tax-related tasks online.

Having a personal tax account helps you stay organised and reduces the chance of missing important tax deadlines or updates.

What Is a Government Gateway Account and How Do You Set One Up?

A Government Gateway account is your secure online key to a wide range of government services, including your personal tax account with HMRC. It lets you manage your taxes, update your details, and access important information whenever you need it.

When you create a Government Gateway account, you’ll receive a unique 12-digit Government Gateway user ID. This ID is what you use to log in to your account. You’ll need this ID and your password every time you want to access your personal tax account or other HMRC online services.

To set up your Government Gateway account:

1. Visit the official HMRC website and find the registration page for Government Gateway.

2. Enter your email address. HMRC will send a confirmation code to your inbox.

3. Check your email and enter the code on the website to verify your email address.

4. Provide your full name and create a secure password.

5. Set up a recovery word in case you forget your password.

6. You’ll receive your Government Gateway user ID. Make sure to write this down and keep it safe, you’ll need it to log in.

7. Choose your security options. You can opt to receive security codes by text or use an authentication app for extra protection.

8. If prompted, provide additional personal details such as your National Insurance number and date of birth to complete your registration.

Once your account is set up, you can use your Government Gateway user ID to log in and start managing your personal tax account right away. Remember, your Government Gateway user ID is different from your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number, which is only used for business tax matters.

Setting up your Government Gateway account is the first step to taking control of your tax affairs online. With your account ready, you’ll be able to check your tax code, file returns, and keep your personal details up to date—all from one secure place.

How to Set Up Your Personal Tax Account with HMRC

Follow these 10 simple steps to create your personal tax account and start managing your tax information online:

1. Get your documents together
   Before you begin, have your National Insurance number, passport or driving licence, and a recent payslip or P60 ready to verify your identity.

2. Visit HMRC’s website
   Go to the official HMRC site and find the personal tax account sign-in or registration page.

3. Create your Government Gateway account
   If you don’t already have one, register for a Government Gateway user ID by providing your email address.

4. Verify your email address
   HMRC will send a verification code to your email. Enter this code on the website to confirm your email.

5. Enter your name and set a password
   Provide your full name and create a strong password to secure your account.

6. You’ve got your Government Gateway ID
   After completing registration, you will receive your unique Government Gateway user ID. Keep this safe as you’ll need it to log in.

7. Choose the type of account you need
   Select the appropriate account option based on your circumstances. You can choose from options such as self-employed, employed, or pensioner.

8. Set up security and verify yourself
   HMRC will ask you to set up additional security measures, such as a security question or two-factor authentication.

9. Verify yourself
   Confirm your identity by entering details from your documents, such as your National Insurance number and passport or driving licence information.

10. You’re ready to use your personal tax account
    Once verified, you can log in and start managing your tax affairs online.

Accessing your personal tax account

You can access your personal tax account via HMRC online services using your computer. Sign in here. Alternatively, you can now access your account using the HMRC app that helps you manage your tax account online via your mobile phone.

Types of tax accounts to access HMRC online services

HMRC have different types of online accounts. These are:

1. Individual accounts.

2. Organisation accounts.

3. Agents accounts.

To access HMRC online services as an individual, you must set up a Government Gateway account.

A Government Gateway Account allows you to set up and access the following types of accounts and services with HMRC:

• Individual accounts

• Register for Self Assessment tax returns.

Individual accounts

You can set up a personal tax account and register for Self Assessment tax returns within an individual account. Your Government Gateway account will allow you to do both of the above.

Organisation accounts

An organisation account with HMRC allows businesses like limited companies, partnerships and sole traders to access their business tax accounts. A business tax account will enable people to register for Self Assessment if self-employed, register for VAT, set up PAYE and access Corporation tax services if you are a limited company.

Agents accounts

Agents accounts allow your accountant or tax agent to access HMRC services on your behalf. Your tax agent will use this account to access your personal details and provide information to HMRC on your behalf.

For help and advice on setting up details with HMRC, Self Assessment tax returns and tax planning contact us today at 033 0088 3616, email or book a free consultation.

About the author

Gary Zouvani
I am a qualified chartered management accountant with over 25 years’ experience working in industry and accountancy practise. Currently DNS group operations director I manage over 50 employees as well as head up our accountancy franchise proposition.