Answers · UK 2025/26
How do I set up a Government Gateway account for Self Assessment?
You create a Government Gateway account on gov.uk when you first register for Self Assessment (or for any other HMRC online service), by providing your name, email address and setting a password, then verifying your identity using documents such as your passport, driving licence or payslip details, before receiving login credentials and, separately, your Unique Taxpayer Reference by post.
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A Government Gateway account is the login system used to access HMRC's online services, including Self Assessment, and is separate from (but often set up alongside) your personal tax account. To set one up for Self Assessment, start at gov.uk and choose to register for Self Assessment, either as newly self-employed, not self-employed but needing to file a return (for example due to rental income or high income Child Benefit charge), or as a partner in a partnership -- each route asks slightly different questions. During registration you will be prompted to create a Government Gateway user ID and password if you do not already have one from a previous interaction with HMRC or another government service; you will need to provide your name, date of birth, National Insurance number and an email address, then verify your identity through methods such as answering questions based on your credit file, or providing details from a UK passport or driving licence. Once your identity is verified and registration is complete, HMRC posts your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) -- a 10-digit number essential for filing returns -- to your registered address, which can take up to 10 working days, or longer if you register close to the 5 October deadline for newly self-employed people. You will also receive an activation code by post to link Self Assessment to your Government Gateway account the first time you log in, so allow plenty of time before your filing deadline, especially if registering for the first time in a busy period such as September or October.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.