Website of the UK government

Advantages of filing online

There are many advantages to filing your tax return online. For example:

• Find out if you need to fill in a tax return

How does it work?

If you're already registered and enrolled for another online service as an individual read the section 'If you've already used another online service' below.

If this is the first time you've used a government online service as an individual, you need to register and enrol for Self Assessment Online, receive a 'User ID' and then wait to receive an 'Activation PIN' (Personal Identity Number). This is sent by the Government Gateway (the central registration service for online government services) through the post.

Why do you need to wait for an Activation PIN?

The Activation PIN is designed to protect you by ensuring complete security of our online services. Because it's sent to your home address (already held by HMRC) the government can be sure that only you can activate the account. 

Registering and enrolling is simple and straightforward

Step one

Make sure you have the following information to hand:

Step two

Go to the HMRC website, select Self Assessment from the 'do it online' menu on the left-hand side, then select 'Register' in the New User section. (You'll find the link to HMRC website at the end of these steps.)

Step three

Select 'Self Assessment Online' as the service you wish to register for.

Step four

Now simply follow the on-screen instructions (this will include reading and accepting the Terms and Conditions, and creating a password of your choice).

Once you've completed the registration and enrolment process, your unique User ID and Activation PIN will be sent to you by post from the Government Gateway. Allow up to seven days for them to arrive. (Your User ID will also appear on-screen during the registration and enrolment process.)

Step five

Once you have both your User ID and Activation PIN, you will need to return to the HMRC website and select Self Assessment from the 'do it online' menu then log in using your User ID and the password you created.

From here, simply follow the instructions to activate Self Assessment Online. You must do this within 28 days of the Activation PIN letter being issued. After this time your Activation PIN will expire and you'll need to request a new one. Once you've activated the service you can destroy the PIN.

(Note that you can use the same User ID and password to 'enrol' (sign up) for other online services for individuals, for example VAT Online.)

• Register for Self Assessment Online (opens new window)

If you've already used another online service as an individual

In this case simply go to the HMRC website and log in using your existing User ID and password, then follow the on-screen instructions to enrol for Self Assessment Online.  You'll receive an Activation PIN in the post within seven days. Then follow step five above to activate the service.

• Enrol for Self Assessment Online (opens new window)

Is it safe to file online?

Filing an online tax return is secure because any sensitive or private information you file online with HMRC is encrypted and protected by your unique User ID and a password which only you know. It is important that you never share your password with anyone. HMRC will never ask you for your password by telephone or email.

Further information

Online Services Helpdesk 0845 605 5999. Open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day).

Minicom: 0845 366 7805

Fax: 0845 366 7828

Email: helpdesk@ir-efile.gov.uk

The email service provides automated responses to some queries 24 hours a day.

More useful links

• Find your local Tax Office (opens new window)