Self assessment identity check does not work

Dear HMRC Team, I am incredible frustrated and annoyed with my recent experience. I wanted to do the tax return online, but because it is my first time I need to verify my identity. This however is just impossible given I don’t have a UK passport (so already restricted in my options) and the company you use to verify my credit score is known to be very bad, using completely outdated data. Now I tried using the app to verify my identity with my passport, but that obv also didn’t work. I will submit my paper tax returns tomorrow to not pay even more in penalties, but is there any other way to verify my identity to be able to use online services going forward? Also, if the credit company manages to update my addresses etc (looks like they are doing this every months which is ridiculous) and I manage to verify my account in January and then submit my taxes online, could I then avoid the late payment penalty ?

Hi,

If you have been unable to verify online you will need to complete the paper return. There is no other way for you to verify.

If you submit the paper return, you will not then be able to complete a online submission to override this.

If you receive a penalty for filing the paper return after the deadline, you will be able to appeal the penalty.

Thank you.

How long does it take via the paper return? I have had the same problem as the poster here, although I have a passport the issue is that HMRC still has my previous surname (before divorce) and the system will not allow me to update my details without first verifying my identity (which is impossible because it insists on ID in my old name rather than the new). I have submitted a paper registration form but have not heard anything back yet. I'm wondering what the average time is before one can expect to hear back.

Hi Gwyneth Jones,

If you are unable to update your details online,  please contact our helpline and we can update the details.

You should then be able to verify, if you allow 72 hours.

If you are unable to verify after that,I would suggest completing a paper return.

Contact HMRC

Thank you.