Can't Login To Your Government Gateway? Here’s How To Get Back In

We’ve had a few emails recently from clients asking if we can send them their Government Gateway login details for HMRC services (like Self Assessment, VAT, or PAYE).

Here’s the thing... your Government Gateway login is personal to you, and we don’t have access to it. No one else ever should!

Don’t worry though, it’s pretty straightforward to find or reset your details if you can't find them.

Step 1: Check Your Emails and Password Manager

Before doing anything complicated, check your email inbox for messages from HMRC, as your user ID is often sent when you first sign up. Also, if you save your passwords in your browser or password manager (like Chrome, Edge or LastPass), try searching there for “Government Gateway” or “HMRC”.

Step 2: Use HMRC’s Recovery Tool

If you can’t find your login details:

1. Go to HMRC’s login page

2. Click “Problems signing in?”

3. Follow the steps to recover your user ID and/or reset your password.

You’ll usually need:

• The email address you used to register, and

• Your National Insurance number or other personal/business details.

Step 3: What If You Don’t Have Access to That Email Anymore?

No problem! HMRC can help you update your email:

1. As above, go to the sign in page and then select the “Problems signing in?” link.

2. Use your National Insurance number and personal details to confirm your identity.

3. Add your new email address when prompted.

If the online system doesn’t work (for example, if you can’t answer the security questions), you can call HMRC’s Online Services Helpline, who can verify your identity and help you get back in.

Step 4: Haven’t Registered Yet?

If you never registered in the first place, you'll need to register to access services like Self Assessment, PAYE for employers, or VAT. You can create an account quickly here: Register for a Government Gateway account.

Top Tip for Next Time

Once you’ve recovered, reset or created your details, take five minutes to store them somewhere safe. Whether that’s in a password manager or a secure note on your phone, it’ll save you the stress next time you need to log in!

Need a Hand?

While we can’t access your Government Gateway login, we can absolutely help our clients understand which HMRC services you need and what to do once you’re logged in. If you get stuck, just give us a shout and we’ll point you in the right direction.