Guide

Government Gateway user ID: What it is and how to get yours

A Government Gateway user ID gives you secure access to HMRC and other government services online.

A person researching government gateway user IDs using a laptop at their desk.

Written by Lena Hanna—Trusted CPA Guidance on Accounting and Tax. Read Lena's full bio

Published Friday 7 November 2025

Table of contents

Key takeaways

• Register for your Government Gateway user ID in five minutes by visiting HMRC's online services page, using a valid email address, and saving your 12-digit user ID immediately upon receipt.

• Keep your Government Gateway user ID separate from your UTR number, as the Gateway ID is a 12-digit login credential while your UTR is a 10-digit tax identification number.

• Set up separate Government Gateway accounts for each business you own to maintain organised financial records and avoid confusion between different tax obligations.

• Allow five to seven working days when adding tax services to your account, as HMRC will post an activation code to your registered office address that you must enter to complete the process.

What is a Government Gateway user ID?

A Government Gateway user ID is a 12-digit number that gives you secure access to HMRC and other UK government services online. This digital identity lets you manage your business taxes, submit returns, and access government support without paperwork.

Your Government Gateway account helps you:

  • Pay business taxes: Corporation Tax, VAT, and PAYE submissions
  • View tax history: Access previous returns and payment records
  • Access support: Find government schemes and business guidance
  • Save time: Handle multiple tax obligations from one secure portal

If you run multiple businesses, set up a separate Government Gateway account for each one to keep their tax details organised and avoid confusion.

How to register for a Government Gateway ID and account

Registration takes about five minutes and gives you immediate access to HMRC services. You'll need a valid email address to get started.

Follow these steps to create your Government Gateway account:

  1. Visit HMRC's login page: Go to HMRC's online services
  2. Start registration: Click 'Sign In', then 'Create Sign In Details'
  3. Enter your email: Use an email address you check regularly
  4. Confirm your email: Check for the confirmation code and enter it on the HMRC site
  5. Get your user ID: HMRC will issue your 12-digit Government Gateway user ID

Save your details as soon as you receive them. Print your confirmation page or take a screenshot of your user ID. You need these details every time you access government services.

Next step:Register for Self Assessment separately if you're self-employed. Your Government Gateway account is the login system – you still need to register for specific tax services.

How to find your Government Gateway account and password

Your Government Gateway user ID is a 12-digit number that logs you into government services. Don't confuse it with your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number, which is ten digits and identifies your tax records.

If you cannot find your Government Gateway ID, try these recovery methods in order:

  1. Check your records: Look for your printed confirmation page or saved screenshot
  2. Search your email: Find the original welcome email from HMRC
  3. Use online recovery: Visit HMRC's Problems Signing In page and click Recover Your User ID
  4. Call HMRC: Contact the online services helpline for direct support, but be aware that call waiting times can be up to 45 minutes.

If you have your user ID, you can reset your password online using your registered email address.

Problems with your Government Gateway account

If you have trouble signing in, most problems have a simple fix. Here are some common issues and how to solve them.

  • Account locked: If you enter the wrong user ID or password too many times, your account will lock for two hours. Wait before trying again.
  • Request a new activation code: Go to the HMRC online services page to request a new code if you need one.
  • Recover your user ID or password: Use the 'Problems signing in' page on the GOV.UK website to recover your user ID or reset your password.

How to add taxes to your Government Gateway account

Adding tax services connects your existing tax services to your Government Gateway account. This lets you manage all your business taxes from one secure login.

Common taxes you can add include:

The process takes five to seven working days including postal delivery of your activation code. Here's what to do:

  1. Start the process: On your business tax summary page, click 'Get Online Access to a Tax, Duty or Scheme'
  2. Choose your tax: Select the tax service you want to add and click 'Continue'
  3. Enter your details: Have your tax reference numbers ready (PAYE numbers, VAT registration, etc.)
  4. Wait for activation code: HMRC posts an activation code to your registered office address. Enter the code when it arrives to activate the service.
  5. Activate the service: Enter the code when it arrives – the tax service appears in your account within 24 hours

Simplify your tax management with Xero

Setting up your Government Gateway account is just one part of managing your business finances. Once you're connected, you still need to keep your books in order and prepare for tax time. That's where Xero accounting software can help.

Xero accounting software makes it easy to manage your finances by automating tasks like tracking expenses and preparing tax returns. It gives you a clear view of your cash flow. Spend less time on admin and more time running your business.

Try Xero for free today to get started.

FAQs on Government Gateway user IDs

Here are the answers to some common questions about Government Gateway user IDs.

Is your Government Gateway ID the same as your UTR?

No, they are different. Your Government Gateway ID is a 12-digit number used to log in to government services online. Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number that identifies you or your business for tax purposes.

Why would I need a Government Gateway ID?

You need a Government Gateway ID to access UK government services online. For business owners, this includes filing VAT returns, managing Corporation Tax, and running payroll for your employees.

Can I have multiple Government Gateway accounts for different businesses?

Yes, set up a separate Government Gateway account for each business you own. This keeps your financial records organised and makes managing your tax obligations simpler.

Disclaimer

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.

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