HMRC Authentication Failure

Troubleshooting Payroll Filing Errors:

When filing Real Time Information (RTI) submissions—such as a Full Payment Submission (FPS) or Employer Payment Summary (EPS) an Authentication Failure error indicates that HMRC's gateway has rejected the login credentials or employer registration details submitted by your payroll software.

Follow this troubleshooting checklist to resolve authentication errors and submit your payroll successfully.

Step-by-Step Resolution Checklist

1. Verify PAYE & Accounts Office References:

Check for typos or misplaced formatting.

Confirm that your Employer PAYE Reference and Accounts Office Reference match your official HMRC paperwork exactly.

• PAYE Reference Format:
  

  Typically 3 digits, a slash, and letters/numbers (e.g., 123/AB12345).

  
  
• Accounts Office Reference Format:
  

  Typically 13 characters (e.g., 123PQ00123456).

2. Test Direct Login to HMRC Gateway:

Confirm your User ID and password are active.

Log in directly to the HMRC Government Gateway portal using the credentials you are entering into your payroll software.

• Ensure you are using an Employer account type rather than an Individual or Personal account.

• If you cannot log in, search your email records for notifications from no-reply@access.service.gov.uk to locate your correct Gateway User ID or reset your password.

3. Ensure PAYE for Employers is Enrolled:

Check that the tax service is active on your portal.

Once logged into HMRC, check your active services list to ensure PAYE for Employers is activated on that specific Gateway account.

• If the service is missing, select Add a tax, duty or scheme and enroll for PAYE online access.

• Note: Enrolling for online access requires an activation code sent by post, which can take up to 10 working days to arrive.

4. Check Agent Authorisation (If Filing via an Accountant or Bureau):

Ensure proper agent permissions are active.

If an external bureau or accountant is filing on your behalf, ensure they are using their Agent Government Gateway credentials and that an active 64-8 or digital FBI2 agent authorisation is in place with HMRC for your PAYE scheme.

5. Disable Browser Auto-Fill:

Prevent hidden spaces or cached password mismatches.

Browser password managers can auto-fill outdated or extra trailing spaces into credential fields. Clear auto-filled text and manually type your Government Gateway User ID and Password into the submission screen.