Is the Personal Tax Account the same as the HMRC app?

No. The HMRC app is a mobile app for simple tasks like checking your tax code or National Insurance number. The Personal Tax Account is a fuller online service with more features, though you can access some of the same information in both.

How do I sign in to my Personal Tax Account?

You sign in with your Government Gateway ID. If you don't have one, you can create it during the sign-in process.

Can I see my Self Assessment tax return in my Personal Tax Account?

Yes, you can view your Self Assessment details, including amounts due and payment history.

Can I update my address in my Personal Tax Account?

Yes, you can update your address, phone number and bank details online.

Is there a charge for using the Personal Tax Account?

No, it's a free service from HMRC.

Personal Tax Account — definition

Your Personal Tax Account is HMRC's online dashboard for your tax code, PAYE income, National Insurance record, State Pension forecast and Self Assessment. You sign in with a Government Gateway ID to view details, update information, claim refunds and check what you owe.

In one paragraph

Your Personal Tax Account is HMRC's online dashboard for your tax affairs. It pulls together your tax code, PAYE income, National Insurance (NI) record, State Pension forecast and Self Assessment position in one place. You sign in with your Government Gateway ID, and once inside you can see what HMRC holds about you and take care of common tasks without phoning or writing.

What you can see

Inside your account you can view:

Your current tax code and how it's worked out.
Your PAYE income for the current and previous tax years.
Your National Insurance record, including gaps and contributions.
Your State Pension forecast.
Your Self Assessment details, including any amounts due.

Everything is shown in plain figures, so you can check whether your tax code looks right or whether your NI record is up to date.

What you can do

From your Personal Tax Account you can:

Update your address, phone number or bank details.
Tell HMRC about a change in your income or circumstances.
Claim a refund if you've overpaid tax.
Check what you owe and pay your Self Assessment bill.
View and download documents like your P60 or tax calculation.

Most tasks are instant, and you don't need to call HMRC for routine updates.

Related terms

Government Gateway – the sign-in system for your Personal Tax Account.
Tax codes explained – understand the numbers and letters on your tax code.