From 15 June 2021, all businesses and organisations will need multi-factor authentication in order to sign into the Government Gateway.
Multi-factor authentication
Businesses and organisations that use HMRC’s online services and which do not currently receive an access code by text or voice call, or direct to an authenticator app, will need to add a device, such as their mobile phone number, to their Government Gateway account in order to be able to sign in. Once a device has been added, you will receive an access code every time you sign in. The changes are being made to further protect Gateway accounts from fraud.
You do not need to do anything until the next time that you sign in. At this point you will be asked to add your new device.
Already have multi-factor authentication?
If you already have multi-factor authentication on your business’s or organisation’s Government Gateway account, nothing will change. You can continue to sign in as usual, receiving your access code in the normal way.
Additional users
If your business or organisation needs to allow employees to access your Government Gateway account, this can be done using multi-factor authentication. To do this, use the administrator and assistant functionality in your Business Tax Account to create additional users. Each user will have their own multi-factor authentication, and will need an access code to sign in.
Individuals and agents
The changes do not apply to individuals accessing their own account, or to agents.
Talk to us
Contact us to find out how to set up and use your Government Gateway account: Pi Accountancy | Expert Business Advice | Gloucester & Swindon (pi-accountancy.co.uk)