Changes to accessing HMRC services

Firms that use ‘silent login’ or automated background logins to access HMRC services have until 14 December to retain this functionality.

HMRC is making changes that will affect how some agents access Government Gateway services. These will affect firms whose own systems that use background logins – also known as ‘silent login’ – to give their staff access to the firm’s Government Gateway portals. Practices whose staff enter user credentials directly into GOV.UK will not be affected nor will those that use software which communicates with HMRC using APIs.

As a result of the changes firms that use silent login procedures will be unable to do so after 11 January 2019 unless they contact HMRC by 14 December to request continued access. HMRC will then add the firm to a secure access list and provide new URLs so that the silent login process can continue for a limited period.