Definition
The HMRC business tax account is the online account a company or other business uses to manage its taxes with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Through one sign-in it shows the position for each tax the business is registered for, such as Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE, and lets you make returns and payments, add or remove taxes, update contact details and add or change a tax agent.
Signing in
You need the sign-in details used when the business first registered for a business tax, usually a Government Gateway user ID. A company’s account is separate from a director’s own HMRC account for their personal tax.
What directors use it for
- Viewing the Corporation Tax statement for each accounting period and finding its 17-character payment reference
- Setting up a Direct Debit for Corporation Tax
- Adding a new tax, such as registering for VAT
- Authorising an accountant as the company’s agent
Where to find the payment reference is shown in SmartFiling’s guide on how to pay Corporation Tax. If an accountant handles your returns, for example through a Corporation Tax filing service, adding them as your agent lets them deal with HMRC without your sign-in details.
Related questions
- How do I pay Corporation Tax? By Direct Debit, bank transfer or card, quoting the payment reference for that accounting period.
- How do I register for VAT? Online with HMRC, within 30 days of the end of the month in which taxable turnover went over £90,000.
- What is the difference between Companies House and HMRC? The business tax account covers HMRC taxes only; accounts and confirmation statements go to Companies House separately.
Related terms
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Government Gateway
Government Gateway is the sign-in system, a user ID of up to 12 characters plus a password, used for many HMRC online services.
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Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is the 10-digit number HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) gives each taxpayer.
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Corporation Tax
Corporation Tax is the tax UK limited companies pay to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on their taxable profits.
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