What is a government gateway ID and where to find it

A government gateway ID is 12-digits used alongside a password to enable access to the UK government’s digital services, including filing corporation tax and viewing your personal tax account.But where can you find a government gateway ID and why is it required? We’ve delved into the ins and outs of a government gateway ID so you have all the information covered if you ever need to set one up or what to do in the event that you lose it.

What is a government gateway ID and why is it required?

Your 12-digit government gateway ID is a method of HMRC verifying you when you want to use a variety of their online services. It’s also known simply as a ‘HMRC login’. You’ll often find that when you go to sign in to access different sections of the HMRC website, such as the construction industry scheme (CIS), your personal tax account, or your Self Assessment, that you’re required to input your government gateway ID and a password to confirm your identity.

Where can you find a government gateway ID

You would have been sent your government gateway ID when you registered to create an account with HMRC. This could’ve been done when registering for your first Self Assessment, VAT, and other HMRC services. Your ID would have been posted out to your registered address or emailed directly to you once you’d registered.

How to set up your government gateway ID

To set up your government gateway ID, you’ll need to follow just a few simple steps:

• You should’ve received an email or letter to register for your ID. If by email, click the link in the email itself which will then take you to the ‘Breathing Space Service’. If you received your ID registration by letter, follow the link instructed.
• You’ll be asked on this link to ‘sign in using government gateway’. Select this option to continue.
• On the following page, you’ll be able to ‘create sign in details’ when you scroll further down the page.
• You’ll need to enter the email address you’ll be using. If you’re the super user, you must use the email address you provided when you enrolled in the service.
• Input the confirmation code you’ll have received from the service via email. Select ‘I have not got an email’ if nothing has been received and the email will be resent to you.
• Next, enter your name, create a password, and create a recovery word.
• It’s complete! By this stage you should be all done with your registration.
• You’ll get confirmation of your ID on the next screen and a confirmation email sent to you as well. Make sure you keep a record of your government gateway ID and your password for future use.