Wizz Accounting on August 25, 2020 
Did you know that as a UK taxpayer you have access to a Personal Tax Account? If not, don’t worry, many people don’t realise this free online service is available to them.
Your Personal Tax Account (or PTA) comes in handy for quickly accessing your personal tax information and checking or updating any personal details.
Below we will explain what your Personal Tax Account is, how you access it, and why it is useful…
What is a Personal Tax Account?
A Personal Tax Account (PTA) is part of a Government portal from HMRC which allows UK taxpayers to check their tax records online. It is a simple way to view and manage your personal details without having to get in contact with HMRC via telephone or in writing.
You can also file a personal tax return and get in touch with HMRC through your PTA.
What can I use my Personal Tax Account for?
Your HMRC personal tax account is a really useful resource to check and make changes to information that you would otherwise have to contact HMRC directly for.
You can use your personal tax account to carry out any of the following:
- Update your contact details
- Find your National Insurance number
- Check your National Insurance contributions history
- Check your Income Tax estimate and tax code
- See your Self-Assessment calculation
- Fill out, submit and view your personal tax return
- Claim a tax refund
- View and manage your tax credits
- Check your State Pension and view your State Pension Forecast
- Track any tax forms that you have submitted online
- Check or update your Marriage Allowance
- Check or update your Child Benefit claims
- Advise HMRC about a change of address or personal circumstances
- Check or update any benefits you receive from work, e.g. company car details and medical insurance
More options are being added to Personal Tax Accounts by HMRC regularly.
How do I access my Personal Tax Account?
You can access your Personal Tax Account by going to gov.uk/personal-tax-account.
To access your Personal Tax Account you will first need to verify who you are. If you already have a Government Gateway user ID you can sign into your PTA using these login credentials. A Government Gateway account is created for you when you sign-up for a government online service for the first time.
If you do not know your Government Gateway user ID you can use the GOV.UK Verify service. If you have previously submitted a Self-Assessment tax return or used another online government service such as for Corporation Tax or PAYE for employers, you will already have a login.
How do I set up a Personal Tax Account if I don’t have login details?
If you don’t already have a Government Gateway account it is simple to register online for free. You can create an account in approximately 10 minutes and you will receive log in details for any future sign-ins.
To register and you will just need your National Insurance number, a valid passport, a recent payslip, or your P60.
What is the difference between a Business Tax Account and a Personal Tax Account?
The difference between Business Tax Accounts & Personal Tax Accounts is limited in your access to your personal details. You can submit a Self-Assessment tax return through a BTA as well as through your PTA but you will not be able to see any of your other personal tax information.
A Business Tax Account can be used for accessing a range of HMRC services including Customs and Excise Duties, Imports, VAT, Corporation Tax, Construction Industry Scheme, PAYE for Employers, EC Sales lists and Pensions for Employers
If you need any help or advice regarding your Personal Tax Account, or about any other tax or accounting services, please feel free to get in touch with us here at Wizz Accounting.
