ICAEW.com works better with JavaScript enabled.

Agents encouraged to sign in to HMRC online accounts

Author: ICAEW Insights

Published: 22 Oct 2026

Now that the roll-out of multi factor authentication (MFA) is complete, HMRC is recommending that agents sign into their agent services account (ASA) and online services account (OSA) to ensure that MFA is working correctly and to protect their accounts.

The final phase in the roll-out of MFA on agent accounts was completed on 15 October 2026, meaning that MFA is now live on all agent accounts. MFA requires the agent to enter a one-time access code – in addition to entering their government gateway ID and password - in order to access their ASA or OSA.

It is important that agents sign into their ASA or OSA to ensure that MFA access code settings are working as expected and to finalise the set up of this additional layer of security on the agent account. Should the agent require support from HMRC, they can contact HMRC's online services helpline.

Take action now 

HMRC recommends that agents that have not signed into their ASA or OSA since MFA was added do so as soon as possible. Should any issues arise, identifying and resolving those issues now may avoid delay or disruption when completing work for clients at a later date, for example, in the run-up to the 31 January 2027 deadline for submitting the self assessment tax return for 2025/26. 

Further, HMRC has told ICAEW that failure to set up MFA options leaves the agent’s account “less protected against unauthorised access”. “If someone obtains your sign-in credentials, they could potentially access sensitive client information, view account data and make changes within the services available to that account”, says HMRC.

Going forward, MFA will be added to all newly registered agent accounts from the outset.  

 

Further information 

Prepare for 2026/27 series

ICAEW's Tax Faculty looks at the key tax changes applying from April 2026.

Further support on tax.
The Tax Faculty

ICAEW's Tax Faculty is recognised internationally as a leading authority and source of expertise on taxation. The faculty is the voice of tax for ICAEW, responsible for all submissions to the tax authorities. Join the Faculty for expert guidance and support enabling you to provide the best advice on tax to your clients or business.

  1. Economy explainers: e-invoicing
  2. Economy explainers: what is income tax?
  3. Agents encouraged to sign in to HMRC online accounts
  4. Tax news in brief 21 October 2026
  5. Tax relief for travel and accommodation costs: temporary workplaces
  1. CGT on cryptoassets and payrolling of benefits
  2. Why tax complexity matters
  3. New tax requirements for companies and directors
  4. How to prepare for a VAT enquiry
  5. Modernising and mandating agent registration

Further resources

Latest news
Making tax digital image
TAXwire and Tax Track

Stay up to date with the latest developments by signing up to the Tax Faculty's weekly enewsletter and listening to the Tax Track podcast series.

Listen now Newsletter sign up
  • Free
Practical guidance
Find out more about the Tax Faculty
Tax Faculty resources

The Tax Faculty offers expert guidance and support enabling you to provide the best advice on tax legislation to your clients or business. We offer clear direction in taxing times. Membership is open to everyone.

ICAEW support
Training and events

Browse upcoming and on-demand ICAEW events and webinars focused on developments in tax practice and policy.

Events and webinars CPD courses and more
Open AddCPD icon