Government Gateway replaced by Gov.UK One Login

Sara White, Editor, Business & Accountancy Daily. Croner-i

All new users to HMRC online services will have to create Gov.UK One Login from now onwards as they will not be able to create a Government Gateway account but service remains for existing users.

Existing Government Gateway users will not be affected as HMRC starts the move towards using the new advanced log-in service, which gives universal access to all government services through a single ID. It uses an app which proves the user’s identity using face scans and photo ID.

Conscious that the change will be huge for HMRC’s current online users, many of whom use Government Gateway accounts for self assessment tax returns, general interaction with the tax office and not to mention the whole community of accountants and tax agents, HMRC is taking a cautious approach to the transition.

HMRC confirmed: ‘The rollout for HMRC customers will be gradual and closely monitored. HMRC customers with a Government Gateway account do not need to take any action. They will continue to use their current Government Gateway ID and will be contacted when it’s time for them to switch to GOV.UK One Login. The government plans to complete full migration from Government Gateway accounts by end of 2027.

‘If an existing HMRC customer has a GOV.UK One Login for a different government service (eg, manage your state pension, or Companies House services) – they will also need to continue to use their Government Gateway for HMRC for now.’

For users new to HMRC’s gov.uk website, and who do not have an existing Government Gateway account, they will have to create a GOV.UK One Login using an email address and password, instead of a 10-12 digit ID, to access HMRC services.  

They will have to prove their identity within the One Login app by answering security questions.

When fully rolled out across government, GOV.UK One Login will be the only way to access all government services online. People will have to use one secure login for everything from Making Tax Digital for Income Tax to self assessment tax returns through to filing company accounts and renewing passports and driving licences. There are currently over 200 government services requiring login via GOV.UK One Login.

Suzanne Newton, HMRC’s director general for change delivery group, said: 

Whether filing self assessment tax returns online, claiming a tax refund on the HMRC app, or checking PAYE information, GOV.UK One Login will make it simpler and quicker for customers to access government digital services, while maintaining the security and reliability they expect.’

Anyone who is unable to access digital services or encounters problems when trying to create an account can get support from the Government Digital Service. However, it is not that straightforward for non-internet users as the web page self generates a personal six-digit code when you visit, and that must be noted by the taxpayer as it is required when using the helpline number on 03003739020, or for callers outside the UK, +442086290008.

It is not clear how the Government Digital Service can help someone who does not have internet access.

There is also an online form hosted on the web page to report any problems signing up, with HMRC stating: ‘We’ll respond to you by email in two working days.’  

This particular web page entitled Contact GOV.UK One Login is a new page and is still a ‘beta service’, with a note at the top asking for feedback to help improve it. It also has multiple links to other content to help with registration but that is hosted on different web pages and does not open on a new tab automatically.

Government Digital Service GOV.UK One Login – general help and information

HMRC Guidance, Accessing HMRC online services using GOV.UK One Login