HMRC Introduces New Sign-In Screen: What Accountants Need to Know (November 2025)
What has changed?
The HMRC sign-in screen now shows two choices: GOV.UK One Login and Government Gateway. Despite the additional option, HMRC has confirmed that users should continue to sign in with their existing Government Gateway credentials (the familiar 10–12 character user ID and password). Selecting the GOV.UK One Login option currently redirects users back to Government Gateway.
Key points
- Users must continue using Government Gateway credentials for HMRC services until HMRC announces otherwise.
- Users who already hold a GOV.UK One Login from another government department cannot yet use it for HMRC access.
- The new sign-in screen is an early step as HMRC prepares to move to GOV.UK One Login in the future.
Impact on 3rd party software and integrations
From 19 November 2025, the updated sign-in screen will also appear for users signing in via third-party software. This includes services that use the HMRC OAuth flow. Important clarifications:
- No action is required for standard OAuth integrations — the OAuth flow remains compatible.
- If your software automates browser interactions (headless browsers or scripted login flows), check compatibility with the new page layout.
- Users should continue to sign in with Government Gateway credentials to obtain tokens or complete authentication through third-party applications.
Practice PA statement
Practice PA does not depend on or integrate with Government Gateway or HMRC sign-in services. We operate independently as a practice management platform and are sharing this advisory purely to help accounting teams stay informed about HMRC changes that may affect other parts of their workflows.
If your practice uses other accounting software or direct HMRC tools for VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, or Self Assessment submissions, keep your teams aware of the sign-in change to avoid confusion during login.
What accountants and practice managers should do now
- Continue using Government Gateway credentials for HMRC access.
- Inform staff and clients about the new sign-in screen so they are not confused by the GOV.UK One Login option.
- If you use software that scripts browser logins, review and test those flows against the new HMRC sign-in page.
- Monitor HMRC announcements for the official date when GOV.UK One Login becomes supported for HMRC access.
Find out more
For official guidance from HMRC, see:
Accessing HMRC online services using GOV.UK One Login
.
