HMRC online access for Non-Residents

There seems to be very many non-resident taxpayers with the same problems as I have and HMRC is seemingly doing nothing to address some very simple problems: 1. Post Codes in non-UK formats. Any well written online form will turn off Post Code verification when the specified country is outside, in this case, the UK. This one fault means that probably tens of thousands of non-resident taxpayers can't use online services. 2. No National Security number. Again, the system should provide for this. It tries to, but the verification process asks for your POst Code - Catch 22 again. Because of this I can't log into either the HMRC App or the Government Gateway. I have been trying to register for online returns for 6 years with no luck whatsoever. I have also tried to enter my Post Code on my HMRC Client Record. The best I have managed is to simply enter it as part of the text field for my city - Porto, Portugal. By not fixing these simple issues you are wasting a huge amount of time for both yourselves and your taxpayers.

HMRC statistics show that there are 78,700 non-resident taxpayers. From my understanding, all of these taxpayers have to submit paper tax returns simply because the system does not allow for foreign post codes. This seems to be a huge waste of time for both the HMRC and taxpayers, as it would require only a very simple change. It should really be fixed ASAP. Can HMRC Admin please comment and follow up.

I had a reply from HMRC Online Support saying: If you have a Self Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) you can use the below link to enrol for the Self Assessment service. Please use the following link to enrol https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/home/services/enroll Please log in with your Government Gateway user ID and Password You will now see the "Services You can add" page Select Self Assessment- enrol for service Enter UTR and your postcode instead of National Insurance number or tick abroad box if you live abroad. An activation pin will be sent through the post. Once you have received your activation pin, log in with the same Government Gateway user ID and Password, you will then be able to activate your online account and submit your return. However this does not work. I do not get the "Services You can add" page. The system asks for the Access Code which I can't get because: 1. It is being sent to my old mobile number and there seems to be no way of changing this. 2. When I ask to get the Access Code another way, it askes for my National Insurance Number. I click Do not have a National Insurance Number and it tries to verify my identity. Again I run into a brick wall because it wants my Post Code and won't accept a non-UK format Post Code. BTW - does anybody monitor these forums?

Hi Stuart Aberdein

This forum is for general guidance only and we cannot comment on legislation.

Thank you

Hi, I've been given these instructions several times before: »»Please use the following link to enrol https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/home/services/enroll »»Please log in with your Government Gateway user ID and Password »»You will now see the "Services You can add" page Unfortunately, as I have said in my post above, I can't log into the Government Gaveway. See by message 6 days ago: »» I do not get the "Services You can add" page. The system asks for the Access Code which I can't get because: »» 1. It is being sent to my old mobile number and there seems to be no way of changing this.2. When I ask to get the Access »» Code another way, it askes for my National Insurance Number. I click Do not have a National Insurance Number »» and it tries to verify my identity. Again I run into a brick wall because it wants my Post Code and won't accept a »» non-UK format Post Code. Please assist.

Hi Stuart,
Unfortunately, as a non-resident, you ultimately may not be able to access and use the Government Gateway. Please advise on what you require Gateway access for, and we can suggest alternatives.
Thank you.

Hi. I'm trying to submit online self assessment forms instead of using paper. HMRC is trying to move everyone from paper to online but these problems getting through the Government Gateway are a roadblock. It seems a pity....