Are you wondering how to get a Government Gateway ID? This numeric ID is necessary for all your e-commerce tax reporting and your self-assessment.
Your HMRC Government Gateway is your key to HMRC’s tax hub. When you register your e-commerce business you should do this as your next step, but if you’ve not done so yet, do so as soon as possible to ensure you can submit your tax details in a timely fashion.
What is a Government Gateway?
Your Government Gateway ID is created when you register for VAT, self-assessment or any other HMRC service. It will be sent out by email or post according to your preference. If you opt for the postal option it can potentially take 2 weeks to receive it, so if tax deadlines are looming, opt for email.
Your Government Gateway will be a numerical combination, 12 digits in length e.g. 123456789101.
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How to get a Government Gateway ID
A full list of purposes for your Government Gateway can be seen on the HMRC website, but as an e-commerce entrepreneur, you will most likely need it for:
- VAT
- VAT EU Refunds
- VAT (MOSS)
- Self-assessment
- Personal tax account
- Corporation tax
To create your Government Gateway user ID, go to this page:
Click “Create sign in details”
Enter your email address, but make sure it is an account you always have access to and that no one else has access to the account.
A six-figure confirmation code will arrive instantly, which you should enter into your HMRC browser window.
Click confirm and follow the instructions to be walked through the process. It should be straightforward; you will need to supply some details about your e-commerce business and you. You will then receive your Government Gateway ID. Make sure to save this somewhere safe and memorable as you will need it in the future.
Set up the relevant taxes for your e-commerce business at this point so you know what your filing responsibilities are and do not have to set up systems when you reach the point of filing.
Is a Government Gateway ID the same as a UTR?
You may already have a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). This is not the same as a Government Gateway ID. A UTR is a 10-digit code used to file your Self-Assessment tax return. A Government Gateway is a 12-digit code used to access your HMRC portal.
Can you have multiple Government Gateway IDs?
Yes, but it is simpler to keep everything under one ID. If you have multiple businesses, you can set up a separate ID for each business to segment your taxes. However, by housing all your tax responsibilities under one Government Gateway you are less likely to lose track and will have an easier time if you require support from HMRC down the line.
Setting up easy access
HMRC is reassuringly protective of your tax accounts. In the past, you may have been asked to set up a Gov UK Verify account. However, this service has now been replaced by GOV.UK One Login, which has been introduced and built by the Government Digital Service.
When setting up your Government Gateway ID, there are a few things you’ll need, including:
- Your name
- An email address for the account (all correspondence is sent to this email address so ensure you have full access to the account)
- A secure password to use for each future login
- A memorable word/recovery word in case you forget your password
If you lose your ID or password, or enter it incorrectly five times, HMRC will lock you out of your account. Before this happens, make sure to check your emails for any previous correspondence from the Government Gateway and check your ID confirmation. If you are still having issues accessing your account, you can recover your ID and password through HMRC’s problem signing in page.
If, in the worst case scenario, you have lost or forgotten both your ID and password, there are a few security checks you’ll need to pass to verify your identity. You’ll need to make sure you have your national insurance number, proof of identity like a passport, the phone or app you have previously used to get access codes and your date of birth.
Next Steps
If you’ve set up your Government Gateway but don’t know where to start with your e-commerce business’ taxes, that’s where we come in. Using our extensive specialist knowledge, your taxes will make sure you pay what you owe and maximise your opportunities for growth through initiatives such as R&D tax credits. Get in touch today to discuss how we can help your e-commerce business.
Why choose Unicorn Accounting?
Ensure you keep on top of your finances and tax obligations by outsourcing to an accountant. This means that you don’t need to worry about your end of year accounts, payroll, or bookkeeping requirements.
At Unicorn Accounting we are e-commerce accountants who help make your online business a growing success. We offer e-commerce accounting advice, financial management, bookkeeping, cash flow statement, and tax filing services to support and scale your business.
Our team of accountants and Xero-certified advisors have experience working with both small start-ups and family-run online stores to large-scale, international retail and e-commerce brands.
If you’ve got an online store, we have the best solution for you. Providing you with a financial arm to your business through our sector experience, and skills with innovative technologies. To see how we can help you maximise the scalability of your e-commerce brand all year round, get in touch with Unicorn Accounting today. Or click here to get a free quote.
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