Guides › Can't Sign In to HMRC? Fix It Before 31 January
Can't Sign In to HMRC? Fix It Before 31 January
General information, not tax or financial advice. We are not HMRC and are not affiliated with it. Sources read on 17 October 2026 ("as read on 17 October 2026"); expected marks our own reading. Examples are fictional.
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Short answer: Use the sign-in details you already have for HMRC: a Government Gateway user ID or GOV.UK One Login details. Fix problems early, because a lockout lasts 2 hours and HMRC advisers cannot unlock it. The 2025-26 online deadline is Sunday 31 January 2027 (see our deadlines guide).
Which sign-in do you use?
GOV.UK says there are two ways into HMRC online services: Government Gateway (a user ID of up to 12 characters and a password) or GOV.UK One Login (an email address and password). If you already use HMRC online services, keep the details you have, even if you hold One Login details for another government service. If you have never used them, select "Create new sign in details" and follow the prompts.
Common problems
- Lost user ID or password: the page says you can recover or reset them and you are told how when you try to sign in.
- Access code not received: codes can arrive by text message, voice call or authenticator app. You can change the method, for example after a new phone number: sign in with your Government Gateway user ID and password, select 'You can get help' when asked for an access code, and follow the steps. You may need to confirm your identity.
- Locked out: too many wrong attempts lock the account, and it unlocks after 2 hours. Helpdesk advisers cannot unlock it.
- Busy times: services may be slow; the page links to a service status check.
New to Self Assessment?
If you only just registered, activation details reach you separately. We did not read how long that takes, so we give no timing; our late-registration guide covers the dates. Start well before 31 January.
Stay safe
Official pages are on gov.uk. Never share your user ID, password or codes with anyone who contacts you.
Fictional example
A sole trader (made-up) tries on 28 January, enters the wrong password too many times and is locked out. The account unlocks after 2 hours, so they wait, reset the password and file the same day. Had they tried on the deadline evening, a second problem could have cost the filing date; see missed-deadline penalties.
FAQ
Do I need both sign-ins? No; use the one you already have.
Can HMRC staff unlock me sooner? The page says no.
What we could not verify
- How long the activation code for a new Self Assessment registration takes to arrive (not read, no number given).
- The exact number of failed attempts that triggers a lockout (not stated on the page).
- Check GOV.UK before acting; pages change.
Sources (official)
- GOV.UK, HMRC online services: sign in or set up an account: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services (read 17 October 2026)
- GOV.UK, Get help with signing in to HMRC online services: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services/problems-signing-in (read 17 October 2026)
Deadlines calendar → Penalty estimator →
Not tax advice. See the disclosure.