7 great reasons to use the HMRC app, saving you time and frustration

HMRC app

Around 1.2 million users have now downloaded the HMRC app for on the go access to tax information. Here we explain what you can use it for and whether it makes tax easier to manage.

What exactly is the HMRC app?

The HMRC app is a mobile application that allows you to access your HMRC account while you are out and about. You can check your personal tax data such as tax codes and National Insurance number. You can also make tax payments, amend information and access a Help to Save account.

How to access the app

1. Download the app from

2. Set up the app

Open the app and enter your Government Gateway user ID and password to sign in for the first time. If you do not have a user ID, you can create one in the app.
You’ll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using either:

  • a 6-digit PIN
  • your fingerprint or
  • facial recognition

7 reasons to use the HMRC app

There are several admin tasks you can do on the app which are easier than making a phone call to speak to an advisor.

1. Check your personal tax data

The app contains the following personal tax data:

  • your tax code
  • your National Insurance number
  • your employment and income history from the previous 5 years
  • your income and benefits
  • your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment
  • how much Self Assessment tax you owe
  • your tax credits and when they will be paid
  • your Child Benefit
  • your State Pension.

2. Update your personal details

You can make changes to your name, address and contact details via the mobile app too.

3. Calculate your take-home pay/PAYE

For employees, this is a quick way to work out what your take home pay after tax and NI will be. You can also view your past and current income and tax codes from employers and pensions.

4. Manage your self-assessment return

You can view the current status of your self-assessment account and any upcoming tax bills that are due. You can set up a payment plan if you are unable to pay your tax bill in one go. Your previous payment history is available as well as previous years tax returns. Finally, you can set a reminder of the self-assessment filing and payments deadlines.

5. View and amend Tax credits

If you receive tax credits, you can view your tax credit information, who is on your claim and make changes to your claim.

6. Claim and report changes to your child benefit

Within the app you can check if you qualify for child benefit, make a claim for child benefit, view your payment history, change your bank details for payment and advise HMRC if your child is staying in full-time education post-16.

7. View your national insurance record

The HMRC app enables you to view your National Insurance number and check for any gaps in your contributions. You can also save your NI number to your mobile device, either as a letter or by adding it to an Apple Wallet.

8. Get a state pension benefit forecast

Your state pension forecast will show based on your current contributions what you’ll be entitled to on retirement. You need 35 years of full contributions to get the full state pension which is currently £204.60 per week (£10,675.74 per year).

FAQs

Is the app free of charge to use?

Yes, there is no charge to download or use the HMRC app.

How easy is it to pay your tax via the HMRC app?

The HMRC app only supports paying your tax bill by bank transfer. If you want to pay your bill using a card or by Direct Debit, you’ll need to go onto the HMRC website.

How do I use the HMRC app to do my self-assessment return?

Submitting your self-assessment tax return using a mobile device can be challenging so it’s recommended to use a desktop or laptop computer for this task. Although it is technically possible to do it via a mobile, it’s easier online via computer.

What can I check using the HMRC app?

The HMRC app allows you to check:

  • Your personal tax data such as NI number, tax code etc.
  • Your tax credits
  • Your pension forecast
  • Your take-home pay
  • Your PAYE records, such as income and employers information
  • Your child benefit claims
  • Your annual tax summaries
  • Any correspondence between you and HMRC (if you have opted to receive letters digitally)
  • How the government spends your taxes

Support from Adams Accountancy when using the HMRC app

It’s vital that you understand your personal tax affairs and that of any limited company you own. If you have any questions when you are using the HMRC app to access your personal tax data, give us a call on 01322 250001 or complete our online contact form.

Apr32024