Readers’ forum: How should expats access their online tax records?

The self-assessment deadline has now passed and I have turned my attention to loftier things like the struggles faced by taxpayers living abroad.

I have become aware of an issue with which many expats seem to be struggling. Specifically the lack of a UK address and the fact that not having one precludes you from accessing HMRC online services. Fellow tax professionals have clients who are UK citizens who have relocated to other countries and they are struggling to access information about their pensions (such as pensions forecasts) and/or their tax affairs.

There are several options to verify one’s identity but they all rely on having a UK address (such as a credit check or a driver’s licence).

Have other Taxation readers come across this issue and if so how have they resolved it? In today’s modern world of remote working it seems farcical...