The short version: Your Personal Tax Account is HMRC’s online portal where you can check your tax, see your National Insurance record, claim refunds, and manage your affairs. It’s like online banking but for tax.
What can you do there?
Check your tax code and how it’s calculated, see your income from employment, check your National Insurance record, claim tax refunds, tell HMRC about changes in your circumstances, and access Self Assessment if you file tax returns.
How do you access it?
Through the Government Gateway website. You’ll need to verify your identity the first time. After that, you can log in with your user ID and password.
Is it the same as Self Assessment?
Not quite. Self Assessment is for filing tax returns. Your Personal Tax Account is broader, covering all your interactions with HMRC. But if you do file Self Assessment, you’ll access it through your Personal Tax Account.
Should you use it?
It’s useful for keeping track of things and catching problems early. Check it occasionally to make sure HMRC’s records match your understanding.
Need help navigating HMRC’s online services? We’re happy to guide you through.
