Last Updated on July 17, 2025
I’ve got corporation tax to pay, but I can’t pay it using the HMRC website. The reason is that I can’t log in, and the reason I can’t log in is frustrating to say the least.
When logging in to the HMRC website I’m asked for a code from the government gateway app. When I go to the app on my phone I am asked to log into the website to set up the app.
It’s impossible. I do not need to recover either my username or password, I have those details. So I’m stuck in a loop.
I tried calling the HMRC website helpline number 0300 200 3600. This was a mistake.
Almost any option I chose in the phoneline menu system was a dead end, with a message along the lines of ‘our operators can’t do that, to do that use the HMRC website. Which is what I’m trying to do!
I started mapping out the HRMC phone menu to try and avoid the dead ends. Here’s how far I got:
PROMPT
1 – Answer survey after call
2 – Opt out of the survey
PROMPT
1 – Agent
2 – Personal tax account or self-assessment
3 – Online business tax account
PROMPT
1 – PAYE
2 – Corporation Tax
3 – Construction Industry
On my 9th attempt, I only got as far as shown above before the standard message was interrupted and a new message told me that I would be connected to an operator.
I want to pay my corporation tax, I really do. But I can’t do it through the HMRC preferred method. Which is through their online portal.
I called the number and was on hold for 22 minutes. Yesterday I was on hold for 40 minutes.
After just over 30 minutes, an operator answered the call and was very helpful. I was asked many questions about my tax details, and my account was reset so I could choose a new method for two-factor authentication.
This process could have been made easier if the audio on the call didn’t drop out every few seconds. But we muddled through and I was able to pay my corporation tax.
Conclusion
Do not use the government gateway authentication app, it has this awful Catch 22 problem. You can’t log into the website because the authentication app can’t be set up without logging into the website. Wild.
UPDATE – this is a bigger problem that I thought. If you’re stuck with HMRC I recommend getting in touch with my friend Duncan Jay at HSA Accountants. He works with all sizes of businesses, from sole traders right up to large companies. If Duncan can’t sort out HMRC then nobody can!
Find Duncan on LinkedIn
I’ve been locked out of the Gateway for Months now.
I’ve rang several times, experiencing a 50minute wait each time.
I’m waiting for a VAT refund for the disabled works we undertake.
I was finally told there has been a attempted security breach and my account was identified as one that could have been effected.
I was told that there was nothing they could do and eventually it would get resolved…..But as for when…..They have no idea???
Hello Ian, I am currently experiencing the exact same issue. Exactly as you have said, I have also been given no indication of how long it will take to resolve the issue. If you don’t mind me asking, how long did it take before you regained access?
I work in the renewables industry so we effectively rely on the VAT refunds to act as our profit. Without this, we can’t operate and I am probably around a month from being put out of business, and my employees, out of work… Not that HMRC seem to care!
Oh no, that’s horrendous. I’m afraid I can’t actually remember how long this took to get resolved. These days I’d call Duncan Jay at this company https://www.hsa-accountants.co.uk/
I’ve known him for quite a while now and he saves a lot of hassle with anything to do with tax or that.
Can not access my Gateway I have the log in information but dont know where to put these. please help
What an utter barrel of bullshit anything to do with the Government really is . And I’m not differentiating between Tory, Labour or any of the other flavours of the month ….
It’s about as appealing as sitting in a(nother) Daily Queue to get through the Dartford Tunnel . Must mind my language TTK & his sidekick , Sir Dick , will have me banged up on some trumped ( ironic) up charge .
Intelligent, taxing people deserve sooooooo much better .
After trying nine times to login to my HMRC Account unsuccessfully. to file my tax return. when trying to logging to HMRC Account, after putting my current ID Number and password, i was send a code on my phone, type the code in. as required. sat back hoping it will take me to my account any minutes from now.
Oh No, It took back to the beginner of the login page again, asking for my ID and password over and over again for nine times.
The email address link to my HMRC account unable to login to it email account neither,
It’s a crazy situation, isn’t it? I recommend you speak to my friend Duncan J over at HSA Accountants Tax Specialists. They are tax specialists and seem to be able to get through to HMRC when nobody else I know can.