How to Check Your Tax Account with HMRC
Updated: Mar 8
In the United Kingdom, the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is responsible for collecting and managing taxes, and every individual and business is assigned a unique tax account with the HMRC. Checking your tax account regularly can help you stay on top of your tax obligations and ensure that your personal and business information is up-to-date. You need to have a tax account with HMRC before you can check your online tax information.
Your PTA (Personal tax Account) is an online service provided by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that allows you to manage your PTA. Your PTA is a way to record and manage your tax preferences in one secure place. Yes
There are a variety of services and more are being added all the time. With your personal tax account, you can:
• Check your income tax estimate and tax code
• Complete, file and view a personal tax return
• Request a tax refund
• Control and manage your tax credits
• Check your state income
• Keep track of the tax forms you've submitted online
• Consult or update your probate order
• Notify HMRC of a change of address
• Review or update the benefits you receive from work, such as B- Information about the company car and health insurance
If You Do Not Have a Personal Tax Account
You need your government portal user ID and password to set up a personal tax account. If you don't already have a user ID, you can create one the first time you log in.
You'll need your social security number or zip code and 2 of the following:
1. A valid UK passport
2. UK driving license with a photo ID issued by DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland)
3. Salary slip for the last 3 months or P60 from your employer for the last tax year
4. Details of tax credit eligibility, if you have it
5. Details of your self-assessment tax return (within the last two years), if you have filed one
6. Information about your credit file, if any (such as loans, credit cards or mortgages)
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check your tax account with the HMRC in the UK:
Register for an HMRC account: Before you can access your tax account, you need to register for a Government Gateway account. This will give you a user ID and password, which you can use to log into the HMRC website. You can register for a Government Gateway account on the HMRC website.
Log in to your account: Once you have your Government Gateway user ID and password, you can log in to the HMRC website and access your tax account. On the HMRC homepage, click the "Sign in or Register" button and enter your user ID and password.
View your tax information: Once you are logged in, you will see an overview of your tax account, including the amount of tax owed, the amount of tax paid, and the payment schedule for any outstanding tax. You will also be able to view your tax code and check the accuracy of your personal information.
Check your tax bill: To view a detailed breakdown of your tax bill, click on the "Tax bill" section of your tax account. This will show the amount of tax owed, the payment due date, and any penalties for late payment.
View your payment history: To see a record of all the payments you have made towards your tax bill, click on the "Payment History" section of your tax account. This will show the date and amount of each payment, as well as the payment method used.
Update your information: If you need to update your personal information, such as your address, you can do so through your tax account. Simply click on the "Personal details" section and make any necessary changes.
Request a statement: If you need a detailed statement of your tax account, you can request one through the HMRC website or by contacting HMRC directly. To request a statement online, go to the "Downloads and Orders" section of your tax account and select "Order a Statement".
Seek professional advice: If you are unsure about how to check your tax account or have any questions about your tax bill, it is always a good idea to seek professional advice from an accountant or tax professional.
How to Open HMRC Online Account in the UK?
To open an HMRC online account in the UK, you can follow these steps:
Go to the HMRC website at www.gov.uk and click on the "Sign in" button in the top right corner of the page.
Click on the "Create an account" button and follow the on-screen instructions to enter your personal information, including your name, address, and National Insurance number.
Choose a user ID and password for your account, and select a security question and answer.
Once you've entered all your information, click on the "Create account" button.
HMRC will send you an activation code by post within 10 working days. Once you receive the code, go back to the HMRC website and sign in to your account.
Enter the activation code when prompted, and you will then be able to access your HMRC online account.
Once you have access to your HMRC online account, you can use it to manage your tax affairs, including filing your tax returns, paying your taxes, and updating your personal details.
Can HMRC Track You Abroad?
Yes, HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) can track you abroad if they have reason to believe that you have not paid the correct amount of tax in the UK. HMRC has various powers to obtain information about individuals and businesses, including information from foreign tax authorities and financial institutions.
If HMRC suspects that you have unpaid taxes, they may request information from other countries under double tax treaties or mutual legal assistance agreements. They can also use their own powers to investigate taxpayers who are based abroad or have offshore assets. For example, HMRC can issue a notice requiring a person to provide information about their offshore income or gains, or they can use their powers to investigate offshore tax evasion.
It's worth noting that HMRC generally only pursues cases where the amount of unpaid tax is significant, and they will usually try to resolve any issues through communication and cooperation with the taxpayer before resorting to enforcement action. However, if you have concerns about your tax affairs or are uncertain about your obligations, it's best to seek professional advice from a tax advisor or accountant.
How Do I Contact HMRC From Outside UK?
If you need to contact HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) from outside the UK, you can call their international helpline. The international helpline is available to customers living outside the UK who need help with their UK tax affairs.
To contact the HMRC international helpline, you will need to call the following number:
+44 135 535 9022
The helpline is open from 8am to 8pm UK time, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Before you call, make sure you have your National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number to hand, as well as any relevant documentation or information about your tax affairs. It's also a good idea to be prepared to explain your query clearly and concisely so that the HMRC representative can assist you as efficiently as possible.
If you're not able to call the international helpline, you can also contact HMRC by post. The address to use depends on the nature of your inquiry, so check the HMRC website for the appropriate address to use.
Checking your tax account with the HMRC in the UK is a simple and straightforward process that can help you stay on top of your tax obligations and ensure that your personal and business information is up-to-date. By registering for a Government Gateway account, logging into the HMRC website, and regularly checking your tax account, you can stay informed and in control of your tax affairs.