Authentication Failed Sending Self-Assessment Tax Return Online

Introduction

There are three reasons why an Authentication Failure message can occur.

1. The user ID or password details are incorrect.

2. The clients UTR number is not correct.

3. The service has not been activated using the PIN provided by HMRC.

Checking the User ID and Password

1. Log into Personal Tax as a MASTER user and select the client.

2. From the Setup menu select Practice Options

3. Click Tax Options.

4. Check that the User ID and Password boxes have been completed correctly.

5. The client could have been assigned to an alternative accountant check the User ID and password have been entered correctly for the alternative accountant. This can be done by clicking the Client menu, select View, click Accountant, click the magnifying glass to the right of the alternative accountants details then view the accountant and click Tax Options. If you do not want to use an alternative accountant to send the return then change this option back to Agent.

It is possible to highlight and copy this information from IRIS and paste into the relevant login boxes on the Government Gateway website. This is a good way to ensure the details have been entered correctly.

Checking the Clients UTR Number

Log onto the Government Gateway Website and check the client list for the practice, ensure that the UTR number shown for the client is exactly the same as the UTR number entered into Personal Tax.

Checking the Service has been Activated

Log onto the Government Gateway website, using your User ID and Password, and check for any options to activate the service.

• If the User ID and Password are correct and the UTR number is correct, refresh the clients file by reprinting the Electronic Tax Return (to the screen) then transmit again.

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