FAQ: Accessing Shared Workspace

What do I do if I have lost or forgotten my login details?

  • If you have lost either your User ID or password please go to the Online Services Login page and under ‘Existing Users’, follow the relevant link.’
  • Follow the on screen instructions and a new User ID or password will be sent within seven days to your business address.
  • If you have previously recorded your email address in the ‘Your account’ page, you will be able to receive the details online.
  • If you have lost both your User ID and password, please contact the Online Services Helpdesk. You will be asked a number of security questions, and once confirmed, your new User ID will be sent within seven days to your business address. You will then be able to create a new password.

Please note: HM Revenue & Customs staff will never ask you to give your password, either verbally, in writing, or by email. Should you receive such a request, please note the requestor’s name, address, date and time if you can, and contact the Online Services Helpdesk with the details.

How do I change my password?

Log in to Online Services and follow the ‘Your account’ link in the navigation bar. Select ‘Change password’ and follow the on screen instructions.

What are my ‘Known Facts’?

Your known facts are the Shared Workspace User Identity and the Activation Token that will be sent to you by post once you have been invited into Shared Workspace. The letters will take up to seven days to arrive and are sent out separately for security purposes.

How do I get a new ‘Known Facts’ letter if it doesn't arrive?

Only the Customer Nominated Contact (CNC) for the organisation you are representing can reissue the known facts letters. If they do so the system will always generate two new letters one for each of the known facts, and they will be issued on separate days.

It can take up to seven days from when they were issued before you receive the Shared Workspace User Identity and Activation Token.

Why have I received an invite to a Shared Workspace Room that I do not need access to?

If you have received an invite to a Shared Workspace Room that you do not need access to, you should immediately bring this to the attention of a Customer Nominated Contact (CNC).

You should not, under any circumstances, enter the Room as this could constitute a security breach.

I am already registered as an Agent or Organisation on the GovernmentGateway – can I use the same User ID and password?

No, you must be registered as an Individual to use Shared Workspace.

New Users gives further guidance.

Can anyone get access to Shared Workspace?

No. Shared Workspace is only accessible to Organisations and their members who have applied for it, and been accepted by HMRC. If your organisation identifies a business need for you to have access to the service, a Customer Nominated Contact (CNC) from your organisation will contact you and arrange your access.

What versions of different web browsers are compatible with Shared Workspace?

Shared Workspace can be used with:

Browser* Version*

Microsoft Internet Explorer – Windows

Version 6.0 & 7.0

Netscape Navigator

7.0

Mozilla

1 & 2

Apple Safari

1.3 & 2

*This list is not definitive, and is correct as of October 2007.

Is Shared Workspace compatible with Dragon?

Yes. Shared Workspace is compatible with Dragon.

Is Shared Workspace compatible with Lunar?

Yes. Shared Workspace is compatible with Lunar.