We posted in January listing some of the services we were expecting to start using GOV.UK Verify before March 2015. This post provides an update on our plans.
Five of the services we listed as starting to use GOV.UK Verify early this year are now connected to the hub. These are:
- PAYE Change or Update Your Company Car Tax
- HMRC Self-assessment
- Rural payments
- Tax credit change of circumstances
- PAYE Check your income tax estimate
The first 3 of the services listed above are available as public betas. The remaining 2 are in private beta with small numbers of invited users.
Next month people will start being able to claim a tax refund using GOV.UK Verify, as HMRC trial the digital submission of one of their iforms.
The table below gives our updated list of services planning to adopt GOV.UK Verify in the next 6 months. Some new services have been added to the list, some have moved to an earlier connection date and some have moved later, as we would expect.
Table: updated list of services we expect to start using GOV.UK Verify by August 2015
| Department | Service | Status | Total users / year | Users by August 2015 |
| HMRC | PAYE (Change Company Car Details) | Connected February 2014; in beta | 70k | 20k |
| Defra | Rural Payments | Connected July 2014; in beta | 100k-300k | 100k |
| HMRC | Self-assessment (trial) | Connected December 2014, in trial (limited numbers of people can choose to use GOV.UK Verify to access the self assessment service) | 3m | 50k |
| HMRC | Tax credit change of circumstances | Connected February 2015; in private beta | 250k | 10k+ |
| HMRC | PAYE (Check your income tax estimate) | Connected February 2015; in private beta | 2m | 80k |
| BIS / Insolvency Service | Redundancy Payments | Connected December 2014; in private beta | 100k | 15k |
| HMRC | Claim a tax refund (iforms trial) | Due to connect by March 2015 | 95k | 30k |
| DWP | Universal Credit digital service trial | Due to connect by March 2015 | 10m | <1k |
| HMRC | Tax credit renewals | Due to connect by March 2015 | 2m | 300k+ |
| DfT / DVLA | View Driving Licence | Due to connect by May 2015 | 500k | 50k |
| HMRC | Transferable allowance for married couples | Due to connect by May 2015 | 3m | 50k |
| HMRC | State pension and national insurance contributions | Due to connect by May 2015 | 3m | <10k |
| HMRC | Inheritance tax online | Due to connect by August 2015 | 200k | <1k |
63 comments
Comment by Alan Drury posted on
I’ve been reading with interest the various posts and articles about IdA as it’s an issue that is cropping up as part of my work as a local government developer. We are currently looking at the requirements for a portal solution for citizens using our council websites and authentication is a common question. What level is required, how do we do it, should we write our own authentication engine or buy a third party solution.
It seems to me that a central government authentication service makes good sense, avoiding re-inventing the wheel, but do you know if there are any plans to allow local councils to use the service? I guess there are, but way off in the future. Are there any pilots planned at this stage?
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Alan, thanks for your comment
At this stage we're prioritising building a scaling a service that works for users of central government services before we look at extending its use to the wider public sector. You can read more in this post: https://identityassurance.blog.gov.uk/2014/10/23/identity-assurance-for-local-authority-and-private-sector-services/
Comment by Dennis Driscoll posted on
What is it about this country? Why don't we simply bite the bullet and introduce national ID cards? Why not issue a National ID card with every passport, as a start?
Comment by Anne Ford posted on
I do not have, or wish to have, a mobile phone, which appears to be essential for verification.
How can I pass verification? I have tried and was not accepted.
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Anne
Thank you for contacting us.
I’m sorry you were unable to proceed with the GOV.UK Verify trial at this time.
GOV.UK Verify is in beta, which means it ’s being constantly improved and developed. At the all current providers use two-step verification via a mobile phone registered in the UK to the requesting user, this means you need a mobile telephone to use GOV.UK Verify. However, we’re working to add more ways for people to prove their identity if they don’t have a mobile telephone. We’re aiming for 90% of people to be able to use GOV.UK Verify by April 2016 - we’ve published some information about that elsewhere on our blog and will be publishing updates as we progress through the next year.
There will continue to be other ways for people to access services if we’re not able to verify their identity through GOV.UK Verify. If you haven't already, then please do return to the service you wanted to use and follow the guidance on the other ways that exist for you to access the service.
Comment by Mr M posted on
What if you have a non-UK passport. you say time and time again that "there are alternative ways to access your online account to Government Gateway. This is not true for Self Assessment. I have a Username and Password. I get the one time access code. Yet I am required to go to the GOV.UK Verify site and as a non-UK passport holder I cannot get through that stage. Obviously no thought has been given to non-UK nationals.,
If there is a different way of getting into Self Assessment Online perhaps you should post details here of what to do. You haven't because there aren't any.
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Thank you for trying GOV.UK Verify and I'm sorry to hear you've had some difficulties. It is a new service and is being constantly developed and improved.
GOV.UK Verify may still be able to verify you with a non-UK passport if you have a UK address. If you return to GOV.UK Verify, you will be asked what identification documents you have and will be offered the option of certified companies that may be able to verify you with a non-UK passport.
If it doesn't work, you will need to contact HMRC direct. Their contact details can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/self-assessment
Comment by sue mason posted on
How do you verify your identity when asked for a passport or driving licence when you do not have either?
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Sue
Thank-you for getting in touch.
GOV.UK Verify is in beta, which means it ’s being constantly improved and developed. At the moment you can only use GOV.UK Verify if you have a valid UK passport or photocard driving licence, but we’re working to add more ways for people to prove their identity if they don’t have a UK passport, driving licence or credit history. We’re aiming for 90% of people to be able to use GOV.UK Verify by April 2016 - we’ve published some information about that elsewhere on our blog and will be publishing updates as we progress through the next year.
There will continue to be other ways for people to access services if we’re not able to verify their identity through GOV.UK Verify. If you haven't already, then please do return to the service you wanted to use and follow the guidance on the other ways that exist for you to access the service.
Comment by S J Aldridge posted on
When is the Marriage Allowance scheme going to commence together with the Verify service?
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi, thanks for your comment.
Marriage Allowance is already connected to GOV.UK Verify in private beta. You can register your interest and take part in the trial here: https://www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance
Comment by Daniel Mikes posted on
Hi. I have UK photocard driving license but i do not have UK passport. This website says that I can use one of the certified companies for my identity verification when I have driving license OR passport. Unfortunately the certified company itself says that I need both of that documents. Why?
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Thanks for your comment, Daniel.
The certified companies have to validate a range of evidence to establish that it's really you - no single piece of evidence is sufficient. That's to protect against someone having stolen a document and being able to use it to pretend to be you. Sometimes it's possible for a certified company to verify your identity using either your passport or your driving licence. They can only do that if they can also validate some other evidence to a sufficient level of confidence like a loan, mortgage or bank account. If for some reason they are not able to do that, then they may have to ask you for both documents instead.
Over time we plan for the range of evidence you can use, and the range of methods companies can use to validate it, to increase, so you won't need both of these documents.
Comment by Keith Cranfield posted on
Hi,
I live overseas and am submitting Self Assessment, does the Mobile number have to be UK Mobile number, or can it be an Australian Mobile number.
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Keith
All current certified companies that use two-step verification via a mobile phone require that phone to be registered in the UK to the requesting user.
However, you may still be able to proceed with the GOV.UK Verify trial.
One of the certified companies offers the option to create your own PIN via a method called M-PIN, which appears on their webpage. Others will allow you to receive a one time code via a landline telephone.
Alternatively, if you have a tablet, some certified companies have their own authentication app you can use to receive your one time code or you can install an app of you choice by searching ‘authenticator’ in the app store.
If you return to the service, go back through the GOV.UK Verify path and select 'no' when asked if you have a mobile phone, you should see the landline line, M-PIN and app options and be able to chose a certified company that offers that method.
Comment by Andrew posted on
I can't use a mobile for verification - we don't have any network coverage here.
I have tried logging on to view a tax message, but when I click on 'I don't have access to a mobile phone' it says 'we will remind you next' time, followed by continue which just brings me to a page saying 'You need 2-step verification to use the personal tax account You can only access this service if you have a mobile phone or have access to one.'
I cannot find any of the alternatives (landlines, pins) suggested here, and cannot access my account.
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Andrew
It sounds as though you may be trying to access the service using Government Gateway, rather than using GOV.UK Verify.
If you click on the second link on this page https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account to select 'Sign in using GOV.UK Verify' you will be asked whether you have a mobile telephone and, if you say 'no', will be shown options of certified companies who can send you a security code via landline or app.
Comment by Patrick Mansell posted on
As a 70+ without mobile phone coverage -- and reading all this commentary -- it strikes me I'd have much less bother if I just went back to sending in a paper Self-Assessment Tax Return each summer. Honestly, the chance to start my 'own digital account' and use 2-step verification to access the Government Gateway leaves my unenthused. Am I really alone in this?
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Patrick
I'm sorry you've had a frustrating experience with Government Gateway.The Government Gateway service does require you to have a mobile telephone. You may wish to contact HMRC with your feedback here: https://www.gov.uk/contact-hmrc
Unlike Government Gateway, GOV.UK Verify (which is in a trial phase) does offer options for users without mobile telephones to access Self Assessment and may work for you. If you are unable to receive a security code via a mobile (due to lack of device or reception), some of our certified companies can send it by landline, tablet or app.
If you return to the service, go back through the GOV.UK Verify path and select 'no' when asked if you have a mobile phone, you should see the alternative options and be able to chose a certified company that offers that method.
Comment by Alfonso Rodrigo posted on
I want to complete my self-assessment online but I am unable to access my account because I don't have a UK passport. When I click the link saying I am unable to complete this information I cannot progress with the login because I haven't confirmed my identity. How am I able to access my account to complete the self-assessment without a UK passport?
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Alfonso
Thank you for trying GOV.UK Verify. It is a new service, currently in beta (trial) and is being constantly developed and improved. GOV.UK Verify may still be able to verify you. If you return to the self assessment service and select GOV.UK Verify, you will be asked what identification documents you have and will be offered the option of certified companies that may be able to verify you with a non-UK passport.
Comment by Alfonso Rodrigo posted on
Hi Rebecca,
I've already tried using some of the companies suggested to verify my identity, but they all seem to require you to have lived in the UK for at least year which is not the case for me. They want me to add a previous address to my current address, but my previous address was in Spain and so the system keeps rejects me. What else can I do? What do you recommend? Is there a number I can call? Also, I am not 100% sure I have successfully managed to register myself as self-employed, is there a way to check this has been done?
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Alfonso
Overseas residents with non-UK addresses can sign up and enrol for HMRC Online services. When you enrol you'll have to enter specific HMRC reference information that identifies you or your organisation. You won't have to enter a UK postcode, unless you are registering (signing up) as a Corporation Tax agent or a PAYE employer.
Once you've enrolled to use the online service you will have to wait for a confirmation letter containing an Activation Code before you can use the service. This can take up to 21 days to reach you.
Please copy and paste the below link into your browser to start the registration process
https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/registration
Comment by Dinko Dinev posted on
Hi
I've had the same issue - no UK passport and I am only being asked to provide passport information and I cant suprass this which leaves me in a position where I cant file Self Assessment which will most probably lead to a penalty and it won't be my fault.
I tried re registering for using online services but it only tells me that someone with this NINo and UTR is already registered.
I have tried to verify my indetity through two of the thirs party companies and both of them got back to me saying they are unable to verify my details.
What do I do now?
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi there,
I’m sorry your chosen certified companies could not verify you. There are lots of reasons why a certified company may not be able to verify your identity. We do appreciate how frustrating that can be for those we are unable to verify at this stage.
GOV.UK Verify is constantly being developed and improved based on feedback from people who use it. We’re not able to verify everyone yet using GOV.UK Verify but we’re working to constantly expand and improve the service. Verifying someone's identity without talking to them or sending things in the post is a complex process and it will take us some time to make it work for everyone.
There are always other ways to access services so if GOV.UK Verify doesn't work for you, please return to the service you were trying to access and use one of the other available ways to access it.
Comment by Fleur Trenson posted on
I started my business as a Childminder last summer. I attended some HMRC webinars and got told time and time again how easy it is to use online Self Assessment. I enroll, activate the service, but then I try to log in and I get stuck at the identity verification because I do not own a UK passport or driving licence. I'm Belgian. Any ideas on how I can still do my tax return online? (and btw gov.uk, it's quite offensive, not to mention hugely annoying and time consuming, that EU nationals can't access ANY UK services without having to jump through hoops and contacting understaffed help desks all the time as NO online forms seem suitable for people who aren't British)
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Fleur
Thank you for your message.
You may still be able to use GOV.UK Verify. In March 2016 one of the certified companies introduced a new method of verification meaning that if you have a bank account and credit card, you can now verify your identity without either a passport or driving licence.
If you return to the service, go back through the GOV.UK Verify path and select 'no' when asked if you have a driving licence or passport, you should be able to chose a certified company that may be able to verify you.
If you do not have a bank account and credit card, we will not be able to verify you at this time. GOV.UK Verify is a new service, currently in public beta (trial) and is being constantly developed and improved based on user feedback. We’re continuing to work with certified companies and investigating alternative sources of data to overcome this problem.
Comment by Thomas posted on
Hello I live in France and as a Frenchman I don't have a UK passport and now I cannot connect to my HMRC account anymore, how can I access my tax data?
Best regards
Thomas
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Thomas
I am sorry that you experienced issues using the service.
GOV.UK Verify is in beta, which means it is being constantly improved and developed based on user feedback. At this stage, we are unable to verify people with overseas addresses as the database is not available to us for the certified companies to check against.
There will continue to be other ways for people to access services if we’re not able to verify their identity through GOV.UK Verify. If you haven't already, then please do return to the service you wanted to use and follow the guidance on the other ways that exist for you to access the service.
Overseas residents with non-UK addresses can sign up and enrol for HMRC Online services. When you enrol you'll have to enter specific HMRC reference information that identifies you or your organisation. You won't have to enter a UK postcode, unless you are registering (signing up) as a Corporation Tax agent or a PAYE employer.
Once you've enrolled to use the online service you will have to wait for a confirmation letter containing an Activation Code before you can use the service. This can take up to 21 days to reach you.
Please copy and paste the below link into your browser to start the registration process
https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/registration
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
Comment by Sarah posted on
My Slovakian friend who has a government gateway account and self assessment service can not log into the hmrc part of his account as he can not verify his identity with a uk passport! He never has to enter passport Info when the account was set up and only has a Slovakian passport! How can he now log in to update his info? He can not get past the verify part of the page which is crazy, he has his log in details, the access code sent to his phone but still no access to his account!!
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Sarah
Sorry to hear that your friend is having problems with Government Gateway. HMRC are responsible for Government Gateway and your friend will need contact the department direct with for assistance. You can find the relevant form here: https://www.gov.uk/contact-hmrc
Alternatively, your friend may wish to try accessing Self Assessment using GOV.UK Verify. GOV.UK Verify may still be able to verify them with a non-UK passport if they have a UK address. If your friend returns to the service and selects GOV.UK Verify (rather than Government Gateway) they will be asked what identification documents they have and will be offered the option of certified companies that may be able to verify you with a non-UK passport. Once verified - it takes about 10 minutes - your friend with have safe and secure access to Self Assessment.
Comment by Jake McGowan posted on
I am still trying to log in to self assessment with my regular log in details and the new texted access code, I have tried a number of times for the last few months but the access code never works. I have called for support and I was asked to submit a page enquiry direct through the page itself. I received an email saying the request is being reviewed by the support team that was 10 days ago and I still haven't received help. This is stopping me filing my return and I need to access it immediately, anyone having the same problem and HMRC can you give me a solution please.
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Jake
I'm sorry you're having problems with Government Gateway. HMRC are responsible for Government Gateway and you will need contact the department direct with for assistance. You can find the relevant form here: https://www.gov.uk/contact-hmrc
Alternatively, you may wish to try accessing Self Assessment using GOV.UK Verify. If you return to the service and selects GOV.UK Verify (rather than Government Gateway) you will be asked what identification documents you have and will be offered the option of certified companies that may be able to verify you with a non-UK passport. Once verified - it takes about 10 minutes - you will have safe and secure access to Self Assessment.
Comment by radoslaw chodkiewicz posted on
i'm trying log in to self assessment, I live abroad and have non british passport, and don't have any other british certified documents. how to log in and pay the taxes to british revenue?
i was called to the number from website and lady send me back to the website, she doesn't care what going on, probably she was drinking another coffee from taxpayers money and played candy crush. can I have some help?
Comment by emilychng posted on
Hi there,
I am sorry that you experienced issues using the service.
GOV.UK Verify is being constantly improved and developed based on user feedback. At this stage, we are unable to verify people with overseas addresses as the database is not available to us for the certified companies to check against.
There will continue to be other ways for people to access services if we’re not able to verify their identity through GOV.UK Verify. If you haven't already, then please do return to the service you wanted to use and follow the guidance on the other ways that exist for you to access the service.
Overseas residents with non-UK addresses may still be able to sign up and enrol for HMRC Online services. When you enrol you'll have to enter specific HMRC reference information that identifies you or your organisation. You won't have to enter a UK postcode, unless you are registering (signing up) as a Corporation Tax agent or a PAYE employer.
Once you've enrolled to use the online service you will have to wait for a confirmation letter containing an Activation Code before you can use the service. This can take up to 21 days to reach you.
Please copy and paste the below link into your browser to start the registration process
https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/registration
Comment by radoslaw chodkiewicz posted on
All the information you just gave me are useless . Doesn't work at all. I tried few times.
Please let me know which tax forms I have to fill as a non resident landlord. And please let me know where I can download those tax forms and provide the address where I have to send them. Do I have to send them as a international tracked and signed mail, for having proof of delivery?
Can I fill the forms using the pen? or have to be fill on the computer and print?
Hope this time will works
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi
If you follow the link above you will be given the information you need.
Comment by maria posted on
I would like to know why my comment above is never published ? I have tried 5 times now without success.
Maria
Comment by Rebecca Hales posted on
Hi Maria
We haven't published your comment as it contains personal information. Instead our user support team emailed you direct on 29 July to help.
Comment by Karen Pretorius posted on
I too can't log in because I do not have a British passport. I spent three hours on the phone and spoke to 3 different people who all told me that they couldn't help because it was a third-party agency managing security. I put my complaint in to writing to HMRC and received an email giving an instruction which did not work and promptly closing the complaint. I now have a no recourse and no way of getting into my self-assessment. Further emails feedback comments and complaints to HMRC have not been responded to. I have had to jump through the most extraordinary hoops just in order to pay my tax and wasted an entire day in utmost frustration.
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
I am really sorry to hear about your frustrations with HMRC.
GOV.UK Verify may still be able to verify you with a non-UK passport if you have a UK address. If you return to the service you are trying to access and select ‘Sign in with GOV.UK Verify', you will be asked what identification documents you have and will be offered the option of certified companies that may be able to verify you with a non-UK passport.
We're looking at further ways of extending GOV.UK Verify to accept international passports and will update you on those via the blog.
Comment by Alan Charter posted on
My daughter has a UK passport now in her married name and this is the only thing that has changed since submitting her last self assessment tax return for 2014/2015. HMRC has confirmed by telephone that the account is in her married name following submission of a copy of her marriage certificate. Despite this she is unable to access her online tax account as when submitting her passport details, as requested, the system is now unable to verify who she is. The person answering the phone at HMRC was extremely unhelpful and suggested my daughter write to them or speak to the third party suppliers of the verify system and gave us their number. Extremely frustrating to be in this position as she is unable to complete her 2015/2016 tax return through no fault of her own. Being a Seafarer, who is only here for short spells at a time, I doubt any letter will get a response before she goes back for her next contract and when she returns to the UK it will be very close to the cut off date for receipt of the tax return. Chasers will undoubtedly be sent to her and the threat of a fine when the problem lies with the HMRC system.
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi Alan,
I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s frustrations.
For GOV.UK Verify, evidence submitted by a user has to reflect the name associated with the identity that they are trying to assert, otherwise it doesn't prove their identity. Your daughter can prove either her current or previous name as long as this is demonstrated by the identity evidence she has to hand.
If your daughter provides evidence for a different name, her chosen certified company will be unable to verify her and she will be required to provide different evidence.
GOV.UK Verify’s certified companies each have different methods of proving a user’s identity. If one company cannot verify her, another may be able to.
As such, your daughter may wish to try using GOV.UK Verify to access the Self Assessment service and provide different evidence to help her verify her identity.
There are always other ways to access services so if GOV.UK Verify doesn't work for you. If this is the case for your daughter, she can return to the service she was trying to access and use one of the other available ways to access it.
Comment by Kevin Hunter posted on
I have been trying to log in for a few weeks into my online account and think the 2 step process is fundamentally flawed and incredibly frustrating.
I get the text message OK and get to the second stage of verification - which asks me for my UK passport details. I enter them EXACTLY as on my UK passport and says the details entered are incorrect. I then tried lower case in case you don't want capitals, no joy, so then again back to EXACTLY as on my passport. Still says it's incorrect and then get locked out my account and cannot access it for a week!! I emailed the contact desk over 3 weeks ago and never hear anything back - whats the point of being able to email if never get a response??!!
Thought I'd try again today and still the same issue. Funny how my passport details are accurate enough to get me in and out of other countries but not into my Government Gateway account. I'm pretty sure if I was to get chased for my return and suddenly owe you money, any hastening/court action would be looked upon negatively as your system clearly isn't working for a number of people.
So, when I log in, the other option to try is to enter my P60 figure for paid national insurance for the tax year I am trying to do my return for - obviously I don't have it as haven't been able to get in to finish it or log in to check the amount!
Other times I have entered successfully in the past it asks for different information, its not very user friendly when you get different questions (which means you have to be at home to physically have the range of documents to hand as you never know what you're going to be asked).
I now face the prospect of spending hours on the phone trying to speak to someone about my return - which I'm sure isn't a good use of time for myself or the adviser at the tax office.
What are you doing to resolve these issues? How can I access my account online - I like to think I can read and can read and transfer details from my passport accurately!
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi Kevin,
I’m really sorry to hear about your difficulties with Government Gateway. If this isn’t working for you, you may still be able to access the services and verify your identity online using GOV.UK Verify, which is an alternative way to access your online account to Government Gateway.
GOV.UK Verify is a new service which will enable you to complete digital transactions in a secure, fast and convenient manner. The service uses certified companies to verify your identity. GOV.UK Verify will replace Government Gateway for individuals across an increasing range of online services.
When you access the service you will be asked a series of questions to help to direct you towards the certified companies that may be able to verify your identity.
Please try going back to the service you are trying to use and log in through GOV.UK Verify.
Comment by Paul O'DONOGHUE posted on
I have been doing my Uk tax return online for a number of years, with little trouble.
Now, however, I cannot VERIFY my IRISH passport, as I am a resident of the UAE.
How do I regain access to my online tax account ?
Thanks.....
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi Paul,
I'm sorry to hear you've had trouble with this. Can I please ask if you are using HMRC's Government Gateway or GOV.UK Verify?
If it's through Government Gateway, you may be able to find help on this page: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return
Comment by Paul O'DONOGHUE posted on
Dear Emily,
Yes i used that link, but when i get to Passport and choose No Uk passport, that is when I am asked to Verify my passport. However, living in UAE, I can't see how I can Verify it!
I'm getting most anxious that I can't access my tax returns....help!
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi
It sounds like you're using Government Gateway and not GOV.UK Verify. You can contact HMRC direct to find out why you're having difficulties with Government Gateway. Their contact page is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/self-assessment-online-services-helpdesk
Best wishes,
Emily
Comment by Peter posted on
It took me about two hours to log on for the first time today as I do not have a British passport and the security questions regarding P60/pay slip were not accepted, so I had to use the post office's gov.uk identify procedure which was tedious and lengthy. Now I re-started my browser and have to go through the whole procedure again! I cannot believe it is being made so complicated to pay my taxes. Data protection is obviously important but every online bank has a much, much simpler procedure and would be deemed safe. This is absolutely ridiculous and I am unsure how and when I will be able to complete my tax return now. This procedure is a complete utter nightmare.
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi Peter,
I’m sorry you’ve had a bad experience. GOV.UK Verify allows you to safely and securely prove your identity entirely online to access government services. It takes around 10 minutes to verify your identity the first time. Different users have different experiences but once we’ve verified you, you’ll be able to sign in to services you need to access securely in under a minute.
You’d might like to try using a different certified company to complete your government transaction, but I'd advise you avoid pressing back or refreshing your browser during the journey. Also, please be aware that from the moment you press the ‘Start’ button on a GOV.UK session, journey through GOV.UK Verify and create a verified identity account with your chosen certified company, and return to the service, you have 1 hour before that session times out.
We are aware that GOV.UK Verify doesn’t work for everyone yet but we’re working to constantly expand and improve the service. We do appreciate how frustrating that can be for those we are unable to verify at this stage.
Your feedback on GOV.UK Verify is valuable – it will be used to make GOV.UK Verify better for others.
Comment by Marjorie Campbell posted on
I am hugely frustrated - you are not allowing me to access this service - although I was never advised of the change when I rang in December to see if I still had to do an assessment even though I have never owed taxes yet. At that time the agent was fully aware that intended to complete my assessment online and that I am a Canadian. Having no UK passport seems to be snarling it all up. I am at risk of having to pay a penalty when I owe nothing because of this nonsense. Additionally, your offices stopped answering calls a full 20 minutes BEFORE closing. So full marks for bureaucracy that puts up roadblocks.
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi Marjorie,
I am sorry to hear of your troubles with Government Gateway. You will need to get in touch with HMRC for help: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/self-assessment
Alternatively, have you tried using GOV.UK Verify? GOV.UK Verify may still be able to verify you with a non-UK passport if you have a UK address.
If you choose to use GOV.UK Verify, please return to the service you were trying to use and select 'Sign in with GOV.UK Verify' below the green Sign in button: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return
If you use GOV.UK Verify, you will be asked what identification documents you have and will be offered the option of certified companies that may be able to verify you with a non-UK passport.
Comment by Oliver posted on
I live in Northern Ireland, I have an Irish passport and a full Northern Irish driving licence. I have lived and worked in the UK for my entire life. I have never had a problem verifying my identity before when taking out loans or credit cards etc. online. I've filled out my tax returns online in the past without any problems.
However it would seem that this is not good enough for GOV.UK Verify (and before you say it, yes I'm aware that "GOV.UK Verify is in beta, which means it is being constantly improved and developed based on user feedback" or whatever other copy and pasted answer is usually given)
After going through the same tedious identity questions and answers over and over again I keep getting the reply-
"There's a technical problem
This online service is experiencing technical difficulties.
Please try again in 5 minutes."
This has been the case for several days. Now if there is an actual technical issue, then it is strange that this is not mentioned anywhere else on the gov.uk website. However if gov.uk Verify is unable to verify my information then do you not think it might be a good idea to tell me so rather than fobbing me off with a "technical issue" disclaimer?
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Dear Oliver,
Many thanks for your feedback. GOV.UK Verify came out of public beta and went live in May 2016, so can I please double-check that you have been using GOV.UK Verify?
If you are using GOV.UK Verify and are finding difficulties, please could you submit a user support request through this form and a member of the team will be able to help and look into the issue: https://www.signin.service.gov.uk/feedback
Comment by Gary posted on
So I registered for an on line account so that I can fill in my Self Assessment on line. However whats the point of having an on line account if you to be able to verify who you say are by a text message? I work offshore, and spend months at a time in the middle of the ocean with no mobile phone signal.
How can I log into my account without an phone reception?
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi Gary,
Before I can help to answer your query can I please first check whether or not you've set up an online account with Government Gateway, or with GOV.UK Verify, which uses certified companies to verify your identity?
Thanks
Emily
Comment by Irene Bendler posted on
I do not have a UK passport and my employee's tax contribution as stated on my P60 is not recognised. I have tried all the numbers on the P60 over the last today - without success! (in pounds and pennies checked by friends!)
Please could you advise how I can verify my identity - though I find it mad that I have varified myself with with the gateway username, password and the pin sent to my mobile phone, that I want to pay my tax,.... and the government makes it as hard as possible to do this!
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi
I am sorry to hear you've experienced difficulties. Can I please check if you've been trying to access this government service via Government Gateway? If so, you've come through to the blog of GOV.UK Verify, which is separate from Government Gateway, and not to HMRC. Therefore I'd be limited in my ability to help you.
You can find the support services for HMRC on this page: https://www.gov.uk/contact-hmrc
Comment by Richard Marshall posted on
been doing online SA for years - suddenly can't login due to the new identity check. Neither methods work for me, no passport nor credit history (and why should I). I have a photo driving license, and two current accounts of years standing. But this is not good enough and I face a penalty due to a half-implemented system going live....grrr
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi
You've come through to the blog of GOV.UK Verify, not the HMRC. You'd might like to contact HMRC's Self Assessment support pages for help https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/self-assessment
Alternatively, you'd might like to try using GOV.UK Verify - it's an alternative way to access services like Self Assessment. GOV.UK Verify allows you to safely and securely prove your identity entirely online to access government services using certified companies. It takes around 15 minutes to verify your identity the first time.
If you go to this page and click on the "sign in with GOV.UK Verify" (below the big green button), you'd might be able to access Self Assessment through this route https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return
Comment by Helen posted on
I have been submitting self assessment for 10 years. I cannot acces the site despite having login code and password. Currently I am in the process of renewing my passport. Since i stated that i dont have a current one, the site went straight to do a credit check on me. Questions referring to my financial dealings were asked and apparently I failed something.
This means that i cannot do my self assessment.
It is appalling that i gave numerous pieces of private information to you and i was still locked out.
You are the first to complain if tax returns are not filed on time. Why have you made this so difficult?
I am actually security checked if you want to delve into my personal details any further
Comment by Emily Ch'ng posted on
Hi Helen
Sorry to hear you've had difficulties. From the sounds of it, it looks like you've been using Government Gateway. Before I can advise any further can I first please check if you've tried to access your Self Assessment through Government Gateway or through GOV.UK Verify (which uses certified companies to verify your identity)?
Many thanks
Emily