# New HMRC registration service delivers tax reference in 72 hours

> The UK’s online Self Assessment registration now includes pre-filled forms and a save-and-return function.

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- Publisher: Newsverum
- Section: Fiscal Policy
- Country: United Kingdom
- Published: 2026-10-06T08:59:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-07T05:59:04+03:00
- Event / data period: 2026-09-09
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HMRC launched an improved Self Assessment registration service for individuals on 9 September. Through a Personal Tax Account, the process can pre-fill customer details, save an application for later and send an email or text confirmation when registration is complete.

A Unique Taxpayer Reference will appear in the online account within 72 hours, compared with up to 15 days by post under the previous process. People who need to file for 2025-26 for the first time had to register by 5 October 2026; the return and payment deadline is 31 January 2027.

## Data

### Fiscal measure reported by the source

Fiscal figure reported by the official source.

Methodology: The amount, period and basis are reproduced as stated by the source; no additional calculation is made.

| label | value | unit | period | basis | value_qualifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time to receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference through the new online registration | 72 | hours | 2026-09-09 | observed | exact |

Sources: <https://www.gov.uk/government/news/improved-self-assessment-registration-service-launched> · Download data: [JSON](https://newsverum.com/api/v1/articles/uk-self-assessment-registration-service-speeds-up-taxpayer-signup/data/fiscal-figures?lang=en&format=json) · [CSV](https://newsverum.com/api/v1/articles/uk-self-assessment-registration-service-speeds-up-taxpayer-signup/data/fiscal-figures?lang=en&format=csv)

## Sources

- [HM Revenue & Customs](<https://www.gov.uk/government/news/improved-self-assessment-registration-service-launched>) (Source checked: 2026-10-06; Published: 2026-09-09)

## Correction history

- 2026-10-07T00:56:38+03:00: German and Portuguese editions and translations of the data and correction explanations have been added to this article.
- 2026-10-07T05:59:04+03:00: Data classification added: each figure now carries a measure identifier with its unit, geography, frequency and type. No figure, unit or date changed.

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