Make a subject access request to HMRC
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-16)

How to make a subject access request (SAR) to get information that HMRC holds about you.

You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. This is known as a subject access request (SAR).

We take our responsibilities for data protection seriously. Our privacy notice (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/data-protection-act-dpa-information-hm-revenue-and-customs-hold-about-you) explains how we collect and use personal information about you in accordance with data protection law.

There’s a different way to apply for information about someone who has died. Find out what to do if someone dies and if you need to apply for probate to deal with their estate (https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate?step-by-step-nav=4f1fe77d-f43b-4581-baf9-e2600e2a2b7a).

Before making a subject access request

Before making a subject access request, check if the personal information you need is already available to you.

You can access a lot of the information we hold about you without making a subject access request. This includes information for the current tax year and the last 5 years. You can find this in:
- your personal tax account (https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account)
- the HMRC app (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/download-the-hmrc-app)
Access information as an agent or solicitor

Agents and solicitors can access their client’s personal information from the last 5 years using the Income Record Viewer if the client has given authorisation.

Find out how to:
- get authorised to act as a tax agent on behalf of your clients (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-get-authorised-to-act-as-a-tax-agent-on-behalf-of-your-clients)
- get access to the Income Record Viewer (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-access-to-the-income-record-viewer-for-agents)
- sign in to your agent services account (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sign-in-to-your-agent-services-account)
Making a subject access request

You should only make a subject access request for information that is not included in the personal tax account, the HMRC app or the Income Record Viewer.

There is usually no fee to pay to access your personal information. However, if your request for access is unfounded or excessive we’re lawfully allowed to:
- charge a reasonable fee
- refuse your request
You can read more about when your request might be considered unfounded and excessive on the Information Commissioner’s Office website — when we can refuse a request (https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/right-of-access/when-can-we-refuse-to-comply-with-a-request/).

What you’ll need to apply

You’ll need to give as much detail as you can about the:
- information you need
- years you need the information for
- reason for the request (to help us allocate your request to the right team)
You’ll also need to prove who you are. You must let us know your:
- full name
- National Insurance number
- date of birth
- current and previous address for the last 5 years
You’ll need to make sure you include an:
- original signature on your written letter to us
- e-signature when completing the online HMRC consent form
Find out more about what to include in your subject access request on the Information Commissioner’s Office website (https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/getting-copies-of-your-information-subject-access-request/).

Ask someone else to help

You can let us know you give someone permission (for example a solicitor, tax agent or a trusted person) to receive personal information you request from us.

You’ll need to give us authorisation by:
- completing and printing out the HMRC consent form (https://public-online.hmrc.gov.uk/lc/content/xfaforms/profiles/forms.html?contentRoot=repository:///Applications/PersonalTax_iForms/1.0/SAR&template=SAR.xdp)
- writing a letter, letting us know the information we can send them
You must send the completed HMRC consent form with your letter to the address shown in the ‘How to apply’ section.

How to apply

Apply online or by post

You can complete and submit your Data Protection Subject Access Request form (https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/DPU_SAR) online or print it and send by post.

You can also send us a letter to ask for information that you could not find in the personal tax account, HMRC app or Income Record Viewer.

Send your letter to:

Subject Access RequestsHM Revenue and CustomsBX9 1AN

Apply by phone or webchat

You can contact HMRC (https://www.gov.uk/contact-hmrc) to make a subject access request.

After you’ve applied

We should reply within one month of receiving your request. However, we may take 3 months to reply if:
- we have received several requests from the same person
- the request is complex
We will send you a letter to let you know if it’s going to take longer to reply.