Equifax digital certificates
HMRC are to discontinue the use of Equifax digital certificates to access HMRC services via the Government Gateway. Taxpayers with a valid digital certificate will be able to access services as normal until the digital certificate expires. After that time the only way to access the Government Gateway will be through the use of a user ID and password.
HMRC recommend that taxpayers currently using digital certificates apply for a user ID and password which can be authenticated whilst the digital certificate remains valid. This process is quite straightforward and can be accessed from the ‘Manage Logins’ section of the Government Gateway.
Taxpayers who do not create a user ID and password whilst their digital certificate is active will have to reregister for the service. This will involve having to de-enrol and re-enrol and will also require the account details to be resubmitted for the newly enrolled login details. For example, creating the necessity to reappoint agents under the new user ID.