Go to: https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account

Click “Start now” and then “Create sign in details” under “New users of Government Gateway.

3: Create sign-in details 



Enter your email address. HMRC will send you a verification code. Once you enter the code and confirm it, you’ll be issued with a 12-digit Government Gateway User ID – make sure you save it securely. 

4: Set Up a Password and Recovery Information

Next enter your full name and choose a secure password (typically min 10 characters). You’ll also be prompted to choose a recovery word in case you forget your password later.

5: Add security: Two-factor authentication 

To keep your account safe, you’ll need to set up either:

• A security phone number, or
• Authenticator app for codes

You’ll also answer extra security questions during this step. 

6. Provide personal details

You’ll be asked to verify your identity by entering 

• Date of birth
• National Insurance Number

Anti-fraud questions based on credit or known addresses may follow, if HMRC lacks sufficient data. 

7. Completion 

Once verified you’ll arrive at your Personal Tax Account dashboard. From here, you can choose the “Individual” account type if managing your own personal tax affairs. 

What Can You Do With Your Personal Tax Account?

From your HMRC dashboard you can: 

• Check your Income Tax estimate and tax code 
• Submit, view or manage a Self Assessment tax return
• Check your Child Benefit
• Check your income from work in the previous 5 years
• Check how much Income Tax you paid in the previous 5 years
• Check your State Pension
• Check if you’ll benefit from paying voluntary National Insurance contributions and if you can pay online
• Track tax forms that you’ve submitted online
• Check or update your Marriage Allowance
• Tell HMRC about a change of name or address
• Check or update benefits you get from work, for example company car details and medical insurance
• Find your National Insurance number
• Find your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, if you already have one
• Check your Simple Assessment tax bill

Final thoughts: Why it’s worth your time

For ongoing peace of mind and streamlined tax management, setting up your Gateway account is one of the smartest steps you can take. Stay digital, stay compliant – and stay in control.

Need Help?

At Wild & Co Chartered Accountants, we help clients navigate HMRC services every day. If you need assistance setting up your Government Gateway account or understanding what you find inside your Personal Tax Account, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our team on 01423 222710