There’s nothing worse than seeing a login error when you’re trying to submit your Self Assessment tax return in the weeks, or worse – days, leading up to the midnight tax return deadline. With the system getting overloaded it’s a common issue during the busiest time of year. In this article we’ll explain what you can try to fix the issue (and what to do if you can’t).
Why can’t I log into my Self Assessment?
IT and server issues are common at peak times of the year, such as right before the Self Assessment deadline when everyone tries to submit their return at once. You can usually check whether that’s the case by going onto GOV’s service status page.
If there is an issue, and you’re scrambling to log in just before the deadline, you may be able to appeal any late filing penalties with proof of the outage.
Everything is working fine on GOV.UK, and I still can’t log in?
Ok, still don’t panic! Take a deep breath and check your details first.
Step 1
The very first thing you need to do is ensure you’ve actually registered for Self Assessment. This may sound silly, but amongst the stress and excitement of becoming self-employed it might completely slip your mind. If this is the case, register for Self Assessment immediately.
Step 2
If you are registered, the next step is to check your details are correct – such as making sure you are using the correct UTR number. For example, if you run a limited company, are you trying to use your company UTR instead of the one for your personal Self Assessment.
Step 3
If all else fails, try using a different browser or your browser’s version of incognito or private mode. Compatibility issues may well cause browser issues that can’t be explained.
I’ve checked my details, and I still can’t login. What do I do?
You need to let HMRC know right away! There are various ways you can contact HMRC, including:
- Online
- X (Previously known as twitter)
- Phone
- Via post
Check out their contact page to see what works best for you.
Can I still pay my Self Assessment tax bill if I can’t sign in online?
Yes! If you can’t get into your account to submit your return, there are at least different ways you can pay your Self Assessment tax bill if you know (even roughly) how much you owe. You might still be penalised for your return being late, but it might reduce the impact of any late payment penalties on top.
Payment methods include:
- Post: Send a cheque (payable to HM Revenue and Customs only) and your UTR number to: HMRC, Direct, BX5 5BD
- Bank: Make a transfer, or use an HMRC paying-in slip (just remember to add a ‘K’ at the end of your UTR when paying this way)
Can someone else do my Self Assessment for me?
Absolutely. You can save the drama of logging into your tax account and hire an accountant to do it for you instead. If you use The Accountancy Partnership, for example, you can talk directly to your dedicated accountant whenever you like, all year round. They’ll give you expert advice on keeping accurate business records, so you can work together on submitting your Self Assessment in a timely manner.
Need help filing your tax return? Call 020 3355 4047 to chat to the team, and get an instant online quote.
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