Multi-Factor Authentication for HMRC Agent Accounts

24 March 2026

Last updated: 24 March 2026

Katie Close CA
Director of Tax, ICAS

HMRC has issued an update on the introduction of MFA for agent accounts, which are expected to go live later this year. Read the full update below.

HMRC update on the change to the agent sign-in journey

"HMRC is working closely with tax advisors and professional bodies to introduce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to strengthen security on agent accounts. MFA will provide greater protection as agents sign in to HMRC’s services, helping to keep accounts and client data secure.

"From Tuesday 7 April, to raise awareness of the upcoming introduction of MFA, agents will see a new page when signing in to their HMRC account on GOV.UK, linking to further guidance in the Tax Agent’s Handbook.

"A small group of agent volunteers are currently participating in a period of MFA test and learn, with testing then due to expand in April. HMRC will be contacting agents who they recognise would benefit from early adoption of the additional security MFA offers. This may be agents who have previously contacted HMRC due to account suspension or to raise security concerns.

"Members using automated processes or third-party software for their sign-in journey should check whether any software updates are needed and allow time for those adjustments. These changes only apply to web sign in on GOV.UK and will not affect services such as PAYE or Making Tax Digital for VAT. We urge agents to prepare and depending on their circumstances, identify the best approach for them to manage MFA’s introduction.

"To give agents time to prepare, HMRC will confirm the MFA go-live date for the wider agent community as early as possible, currently scheduled for delivery by the end of June 2026, but subject to successful testing."

We'll provide further updates as information becomes available.