A Personal Tax Account is a secure online service from HMRC that allows UK taxpayers to manage their digital tax profile in one place. The HMRC Personal Tax Account provides access to key records such as Income Tax payments, PAYE tax codes, National Insurance contributions, and Self Assessment details through a Government Gateway login.
UK employees, self-employed workers, and small business owners use the account to check tax liabilities, track refunds, update personal details, and monitor tax codes issued by HMRC.
The service simplifies communication with HMRC by replacing phone or postal requests with real-time online updates. This guide explains how the HMRC Personal Tax Account works, what services it provides, and how to register and start managing your UK tax records online.
What is Your Personal Tax Account?
Your personal tax account (often abbreviated to PTA) is a secure online portal provided by HMRC — the UK’s tax authority. It acts as your own digital tax hub, bringing together information about your income, tax code, National Insurance record, State Pension, benefits, and more, all in one place.
Think of it like online banking, but for your taxes. Instead of waiting for letters from HMRC or spending time on hold on the phone, you can log in at any time of day or night and see your full tax picture instantly.
The personal tax account was launched by HMRC in 2015, and over 16 million people in the UK have now set one up. It is completely free to use, takes around 10 minutes to set up for the first time, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Personal Tax Account – Key Facts (2026 Tax Year)Provided by: HMRC — HM Revenue and Customs Cost: Free Access: 24/7 online at www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account Also available: As the free HMRC app on iOS and Android Sign-in method: Government Gateway user ID or GOV.UK One Login Current tax year covered: 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026 Standard Personal Allowance: £12,570 (income you pay no tax on) Users: Over 16 million people in the UK |
How Do I Check My Tax Account with HMRC?
Checking your tax account with HMRC is straightforward once you have set one up. Here is what you need to know.
How Do I Sign In to My Personal Tax Account?
To sign in, go to www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account and click the green ‘Start now’ button. You will be asked to sign in using either:
- Your Government Gateway user ID and password, this is the sign-in method most people already have if they have previously used any HMRC online service, filed a Self Assessment return, or registered for VAT or PAYE.
- Your GOV.UK One Login details, HMRC is gradually moving to this new system, which is set to replace the Government Gateway for personal tax services over the coming years.
Once signed in, you are taken straight to your account dashboard, where you can see tiles for each service, Income Tax, National Insurance, Self Assessment, tax credits, and so on. Simply click on whichever tile covers what you want to do.
What Can You Check and Do Inside Your Personal Tax Account?
Your personal tax account gives you access to a wide range of services in one place. Here is a full breakdown of what you can check and manage:
| What You Can Check | What You Can Do |
| Your current tax code | Request a change to your tax code if it is wrong |
| Estimated Income Tax for the current year | Update your income details if they have changed |
| Income Tax paid in the last 5 tax years | Claim a tax refund directly into your bank account |
| Your National Insurance record | Check for and pay voluntary NI contributions |
| State Pension forecast | See when you can claim your State Pension |
| Tax credit details and payments | Report changes that affect your tax credits |
| Child Benefit details | Update your personal information and address |
| Marriage Allowance status | Apply for or transfer Marriage Allowance |
| Self Assessment filing deadlines | Submit your Self Assessment tax return |
| Any letters or messages from HMRC | Send and receive secure messages from HMRC |
You can also access the HMRC app, which gives you the same functionality on your smartphone. The app is free, available on iOS and Android, and allows you to sign in quickly using a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition after the first setup.
What Income Tax Information Will I See in My Personal Tax Account?
One of the most useful things about your personal tax account is that it shows you exactly how your Income Tax is being calculated, which helps you spot mistakes before they become problems.
For the 2026 tax year (6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026), HMRC applies the following Income Tax rates and bands for people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:
| Band | Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
| Personal Allowance | Up to £12,570 | 0% |
| Basic Rate | £12,571 to £50,270 | 20% |
| Higher Rate | £50,271 to £125,140 | 40% |
| Additional Rate | Over £125,140 | 45% |
The standard Personal Allowance is £12,570, this is the amount of income you do not pay any tax on. Your personal tax account will show you your specific Personal Allowance, which may differ if:
- Your adjusted net income is above £100,000, your allowance reduces by £1 for every £2 you earn above this threshold, falling to zero at £125,140.
- You claim Marriage Allowance, you can transfer £1,260 of your Personal Allowance to a spouse or civil partner if you earn less than the standard allowance.
- You are entitled to Blind Person’s Allowance, which adds to your Personal Allowance if you meet the criteria.
If you live in Scotland, different Income Tax rates and bands apply to your non-savings, non-dividend income. Your personal tax account will reflect the correct rates for wherever you live.
How Do I Find My Personal Tax Account Number?
This is a very common question and there is sometimes a little confusion around the language here, so it is worth clearing up.
There is no single number called a ‘personal tax account number’. Instead, HMRC uses two main reference numbers to identify you, and both can be found inside your personal tax account:
Your National Insurance Number (NI Number)
Your National Insurance number is your most important tax identification number in the UK. It is unique to you and stays the same for life. It is made up of two letters, six numbers, and a final letter, for example: AB 12 34 56 C.
You can find your National Insurance number in your personal tax account at any time. It also appears on your payslips, P60, letters from HMRC, and on the HMRC app.
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
If you are self-employed or have ever filed a Self Assessment tax return, you will also have a Unique Taxpayer Reference — known as a UTR number. This is a 10-digit number that HMRC uses to identify your Self Assessment records. It is different from your NI number.
You can find your UTR number inside your personal tax account under the Self Assessment section. It also appears on any letter or notice HMRC has sent you about your tax return.
Your Government Gateway User ID
When you sign up for your personal tax account, you are given a Government Gateway user ID. This is a 12-digit number and it is your login credential, not a tax reference. HMRC will show it to you once when you first register, and will also email it to you, so make sure you keep a record of it.
| Where to Find Your Tax Reference Numbers
National Insurance number: In your personal tax account, on payslips, P60, HMRC letters, or the HMRC app UTR number: In your personal tax account (Self Assessment section) or on HMRC letters about your tax return Government Gateway user ID: Emailed to you when you first register — keep this safe PAYE reference: On your payslip or P60 (this is your employer’s reference, not yours) Note: If you have lost your UTR, you can retrieve it by signing into your personal tax account or by calling HMRC on 0300 200 3310 (Self Assessment helpline) |
How Do I Set Up My Personal Tax Account?
Setting up your personal tax account takes around 10 minutes. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Go to HMRC’s Personal Tax Accounts Portal and click ‘Start now’.
- You will be asked to sign in. If you already have a Government Gateway user ID from a previous HMRC service, use that. If not, select ‘Create an account’ or ‘Create sign in details’.
- Enter your email address. HMRC will send you a verification code. Enter that code to confirm your email and continue.
- Enter your full name and create a strong password (at least 10 characters). You will then be shown your Government Gateway user ID, a 12-digit number. Write this down and keep it safe.
- HMRC will ask you to verify your identity. You will need your National Insurance number plus at least one of the following: a valid UK passport, a photocard driving licence, a recent payslip or P60, or details from a previous tax credit claim or Self Assessment return.
- Set up two-step verification, you can choose to receive a security code by text message, phone call, or via an authenticator app.
- Once verified, your personal tax account is active. You can now sign in any time at www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account using your Government Gateway ID and password.
If you already have a Government Gateway account from any other HMRC service, for example from filing a previous Self Assessment return or from claiming Tax-Free Childcare, you can use those same login details. You do not need to create a new account.
What If I Cannot Verify My Identity Online?
In most cases, HMRC will verify your identity using your passport or driving licence details combined with other security checks. If you do not have a UK passport or driving licence, HMRC may use a credit-style check instead, asking you about details such as loans, bank accounts, mobile contracts, or addresses you have previously lived at.
If you are still unable to verify online, HMRC advises you to contact them directly. They can help you set up your account by post or phone, although this takes longer.
How Do I Contact HMRC About My Personal Tax?
One of the advantages of having a personal tax account is that it reduces the need to contact HMRC directly, because you can check and update most things yourself online. That said, there are times when you will need to speak to someone or send a query.
Here are the main ways to contact HMRC about personal tax:
Online – Through Your Personal Tax Account
The fastest way to contact HMRC for many queries is through your personal tax account itself. You can use HMRC’s digital assistant (an automated chat tool) to get answers to common questions, and if the digital assistant cannot help, you can request to be transferred to a live HMRC adviser during working hours.
You can also send and receive secure messages through your account. Any confidential responses from HMRC about your personal tax affairs will be sent by phone or post, not via the digital assistant.
By Phone – HMRC Income Tax Helpline
If you prefer to speak to someone directly, you can call HMRC’s Income Tax helpline. Here are the key numbers:
| Contact Type | Details |
| Income Tax (PAYE) general enquiries | 0300 200 3300 |
| Self Assessment enquiries | 0300 200 3310 |
| Calling from outside the UK | +44 135 535 9022 |
| Relay UK (for those who cannot hear or speak on the phone) | 18001 then 0300 200 3300 |
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (closed bank holidays) |
| Best time to call | Before 10am on Tuesday to Thursday — lines are quietest then |
When you call, make sure your personal details and address are up to date in your personal tax account. HMRC will ask you security questions based on the details they hold for you, and if your records are out of date you could fail their security check.
HMRC also uses speech recognition software on its phone lines. Speak clearly and use key words to describe your query — for example ‘tax code’, ‘refund’, or ‘Self Assessment’, to be directed to the right team as quickly as possible.
By Post
For Income Tax and Self Assessment queries, you can write to HMRC at:
| HMRC Postal Address for Income Tax and Self Assessment
Pay As You Earn and Self Assessment HM Revenue and Customs BX9 1AS United Kingdom You do not need to include a street name or city in the address. Always include your National Insurance number and any relevant tax reference number in your letter so HMRC can find your records and respond to you. |
Be aware that HMRC acknowledges there can be significant delays in processing postal correspondence. Wherever possible, use your personal tax account or the phone helpline for faster responses.
On Social Media – X (formerly Twitter)
HMRC has an official account at @HMRCcustomers on X (formerly Twitter) that responds to general tax questions. You cannot discuss specific personal tax cases or share any personal details on social media, but it can be a useful starting point if you have a general question or want to know which service to use.
Why is a Personal Tax Account Especially Useful for Business Owners and the Self-Employed?
If you run a small business, work as a sole trader, or are a freelancer, your personal tax account is not just useful, it is close to essential. Here is why.
It Holds Information Only You Can Access
Even if you have an accountant who handles your Self Assessment return and other tax matters, certain information in your personal tax account can only be seen by you.
HMRC no longer provides P60 pay and tax details to accountants over the phone. This means your accountant may need to rely on you to log into your personal tax account and retrieve specific figures, such as your taxable income for a previous year or your tax paid, so they can complete your return accurately.
You Can Check Your Self Assessment Deadlines
Your personal tax account shows your Self Assessment status, including your registration, filing deadlines, and any outstanding payments. The key dates to know are:
- 31 January: Online Self Assessment tax return filing deadline and payment of any tax owed for the previous tax year.
- 31 July: Payment on account deadline (if HMRC has requested advance payments towards your next tax bill).
- 5 October: Deadline to register for Self Assessment if you became self-employed or started receiving new untaxed income in the previous tax year.
Missing these deadlines results in automatic penalties from HMRC, starting at £100 for a late return and rising the longer it remains unfiled. Keeping an eye on your personal tax account throughout the year helps you stay ahead of these dates.
You Can Claim Tax Refunds Directly
If you have overpaid tax, which can happen when your income changes, when you leave a job part way through the year, or when HMRC applies the wrong tax code, your personal tax account lets you claim any refund directly into your bank account. You do not need to wait for HMRC to send a cheque or write to you.
HMRC refunded over £8.3 billion in overpaid tax in 2022 to 2023. Many of those refunds were triggered by people checking their personal tax account and spotting an error. Without a personal tax account, overpayments can go unnoticed for months or even years.
It Links to Self Assessment and Other Business Tax Services
Once you have your personal tax account set up, you can use the same login details to access your Self Assessment online services, register for VAT if your turnover exceeds the VAT threshold, set up PAYE if you start employing staff, and access the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) if you work in the construction sector. One login covers all of these, you do not need separate accounts for each.
Is My Personal Tax Account Safe and Secure?
Yes. HMRC uses multiple layers of security to protect your personal tax account:
- Your unique Government Gateway user ID and password are required every time you sign in.
- Two-step verification sends a code to your phone or email each time you log in from a new device.
- HMRC uses firewalls and data encryption to protect your information and monitor for unauthorised access.
- Sensitive replies from HMRC, anything confidential about your personal tax affairs — will always be sent by phone or post, never through the online messaging system alone.
If you ever receive an email, text, or phone call claiming to be from HMRC and asking for your personal tax account login details, treat it as suspicious. HMRC will never ask for your Government Gateway password by email or text. Report any suspected scams to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
What is GOV.UK One Login and Will It Affect My Personal Tax Account?
GOV.UK One Login is a new sign-in system being rolled out across all government services. It is designed to replace the Government Gateway over the coming years, making it easier to access multiple government services with a single set of login credentials.
For most people using their personal tax account right now, this means:
- If you already have a Government Gateway user ID, you can continue to use it. You do not need to do anything differently right now.
- When HMRC prompts you to switch to GOV.UK One Login, the process involves creating a new email and password combination and verifying your identity again, but your tax records and account history carry over.
- The HMRC app and personal tax account online will both eventually use GOV.UK One Login as the standard sign-in method.
HMRC is running the transition gradually. If you are asked to use GOV.UK One Login when signing in, follow the on-screen instructions. If you are not, continue using your Government Gateway details as normal.
What Are the Most Common Problems People Have with Their Personal Tax Account?
Here are the issues we see most often, and what you can do about them:
| Problem | What to Do |
| Forgotten Government Gateway user ID | Check the email HMRC sent when you first registered. You can also recover it at HMRC’s Online Services |
| Cannot verify identity online | Use a different form of ID if available (e.g. try payslip details if passport did not work). If still stuck, call HMRC on 0300 200 3300 |
| Tax code looks wrong in the account | Use the ‘Check your Income Tax’ service in your account to see why the code has been set, then contact HMRC if it is incorrect |
| Personal tax account does not show UTR | Check the Self Assessment tile. If you are not registered for Self Assessment, your UTR will not appear, register via your account first |
| Refund showing but not received | Check the bank details HMRC holds in your account. If the refund was issued to an old account, contact HMRC to redirect it |
| Cannot see current year income figures | Income figures update monthly. If your employer has not yet submitted payroll data, HMRC will not have the latest figures yet |
Summary – Key Things to Remember About Your Personal Tax Account
- Your personal tax account is a free, secure online service from HMRC available at www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account.
- It lets you check your tax code, Income Tax estimate, NI record, State Pension forecast, tax credits, and much more — all in one place.
- You sign in using a Government Gateway user ID and password, or GOV.UK One Login.
- Your National Insurance number and UTR number can both be found inside your account.
- The HMRC app gives you the same access on your smartphone, including quick sign-in with fingerprint or facial recognition.
- For personal tax queries, HMRC’s helpline is 0300 200 3300 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, closed bank holidays).
- If you are self-employed or a business owner, your personal tax account links directly to Self Assessment, VAT, and PAYE services.
- The standard Personal Allowance for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is £12,570 — your account will show your specific allowance and any tax you owe or are owed.
Need Help Making Sense of What is in Your Personal Tax Account?Seeing a tax code you do not recognise? Unsure why your refund has not arrived? Not sure whether you should be registered for Self Assessment? At Micro Entity Accounts, we help business owners and self-employed people across the UK navigate HMRC’s systems, from setting up your personal tax account to filing your Self Assessment return and making sure you are not paying more tax than you should. Get in touch for straightforward, no-jargon advice. |
Disclaimer: The content on MicroEntityAccounts is for informational purposes only and do not constitute tax or financial advice. We recommend consulting a certified tax professional or the HM Revenue and Customs Dept (HMRC) for accurate guidance. MicroEntityAccounts is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.
