What to Do If I Can't Access My HMRC Online Portal?

What to Do If I Can't Access My HMRC Online Portal?
Charlotte Baroukh

Charlotte Baroukh

Tax Expert @ Pie

2 min read

Updated: 26 Aug 2024

2 min read

Updated: 26 Aug 2024

Understanding HMRC Online Portal Access Issues

Are you a UK taxpayer struggling with accessing your HMRC online portal? Worry not! We've got you covered with a comprehensive guide on regaining access and managing your tax affairs effectively.

Reasons Why You Might Be Unable to Access Your HMRC Online Portal

When you encounter difficulties accessing your HMRC online portal, it's crucial to understand the following components:

Forgotten Username or Password

Forgotten credentials are a common issue. Knowing how to recover or reset them can save you a lot of hassle and time.

Account Lockout


After several failed login attempts, your account may be locked. Understanding this can help you take proper steps to unlock it.

Technical Issues


Sometimes, server or browser issues can impede access. Recognising this helps you troubleshoot appropriately.

How to Resolve HMRC Online Portal Access Issues

Follow these steps to regain access seamlessly:

icon

Verify your internet connection and try accessing the portal from a different browser.

icon

Click on the "Forgot your password?" link on the login page to reset your password via email.

icon

If you’ve forgotten your username, use the "Forgot your username?" link and follow the prompts to recover it.


icon

Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try logging in again.

icon

Contact HMRC support directly if the issue persists, and have your ID and personal information ready for verification.


Options for Managing Without Portal Access

Option 1: Phone Support

HMRC offers phone support, enabling you to manage your queries and issues through a direct conversation with their customer service representatives. This method allows you to receive personalised assistance and immediate responses to your questions, which can be particularly helpful for complex or urgent issues. The representatives can guide you through specific processes, provide clarifications on tax regulations, and help resolve any problems you may encounter.

Option 2: Online Submission

If online access and phone support are unavailable, HMRC also accepts postal correspondence for resolving issues. This traditional method allows you to submit detailed queries and receive written responses, which can be useful for record-keeping and documentation purposes. Ensure that you include all relevant information and your tax reference number in your correspondence to facilitate a prompt response.

Additional Considerations

<h5>Securely Store Login Details</h5><p>It's important to store your HMRC login details securely to protect your personal and financial information from unauthorised access while ensuring they are readily accessible for timely tax submissions and management.</p>

Securely Store Login Details

It's important to store your HMRC login details securely to protect your personal and financial information from unauthorised access while ensuring they are readily accessible for timely tax submissions and management.

<h5>Update Contact Info and Security Settings</h5><p>Keeping your contact information and security settings up to date with HMRC ensures you receive important notifications and maintain the security of your account.</p>

Update Contact Info and Security Settings

Keeping your contact information and security settings up to date with HMRC ensures you receive important notifications and maintain the security of your account.

<h5>Enable two-factor authentication</h5><p>Activating two-factor authentication on your HMRC account adds an extra layer of protection, making it harder for unauthorised users to access your personal and financial information.</p>

Enable two-factor authentication

Activating two-factor authentication on your HMRC account adds an extra layer of protection, making it harder for unauthorised users to access your personal and financial information.

Expert Assistance with Pie

Navigating the budgeting for your Self Assessment tax bill can be complex, but with Pie Tax, you have access to expert assistance. Our software makes it easy to track your income, expenses, and tax obligations, ensuring you always stay ahead.

[Get Started with PIE Tax Today!]

<h3><br></h3><h5>According to a recent survey, 20% of UK taxpayers experience issues accessing their HMRC online portal annually.</h5>
<h3><br></h3><h5>According to a recent survey, 20% of UK taxpayers experience issues accessing their HMRC online portal annually.</h5>


According to a recent survey, 20% of UK taxpayers experience issues accessing their HMRC online portal annually.

<h5>Over 15% of these issues are resolved through HMRC's phone support within 24 hours.</h5>
<h5>Over 15% of these issues are resolved through HMRC's phone support within 24 hours.</h5>

Over 15% of these issues are resolved through HMRC's phone support within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I forget my HMRC online portal password?

Use the "Forgot your password?" link on the login page to reset your password via email.

How can I recover my HMRC username?

Click on the "Forgot your username?" link and follow the prompts for username recovery.

What if I get locked out of my HMRC account?

Wait for 2 hours before trying to log in again or contact HMRC support to unlock your account.

How do I clear cache and cookies in my browser?

Go to your browser settings, find privacy or history settings, and select the option to clear cache and cookies.

Who do I contact for technical issues with the HMRC portal?

Contact HMRC's technical support via their official contact numbers or online support forms.

File your Self Assessment - For FREE

Manage your self-assessment in one, easy to use App

  • Save money, time and effort with Pie

  • Add multiple incomes and view your tax in ‘Real Time’

  • File directly to HMRC - for FREE

File your self assessment - for Free

The Free Self Assessment App.

logologo
Want regular updates from us?

Want regular updates from us?

Sign up for regular tax tips and news sent straight to your inbox.

Whatsapp Pie Tax