If you need to reach HM Revenue & Customs regarding your income tax, self-assessment, state pension, benefits, and more, consider checking if the HMRC app can assist you. This app allows you to access and update various information, potentially saving you from a long phone call. This guide outlines how to download the HMRC app and highlights eight of its best features.

What is the HMRC App?

The HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) app is free to download on both Android and iOS devices, making everyday tax and benefits tasks easily accessible without the need to call HMRC. You can use the app to view your tax code, income tax details, national insurance number, state pension, benefits, and more.

To sign in, you will need your Government Gateway credentials. On your first login, you’ll need to enter your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you don’t have this information or have forgotten it, you can find assistance on Gov.uk. Once you’re set up, you won’t need to sign in with your ID or password again; you can simply log in using a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition, depending on your device’s capabilities.

Prefer Not to Use the App? Here’s How to Contact HMRC

While the app can save you time, using it is entirely optional. If you prefer not to use the app or don’t have a compatible smartphone, you can still contact HMRC via their website, by phone, or by mail. The best method will depend on your specific query, and you can find detailed contact information on Gov.uk.

Eight of the Best Ways to Use the HMRC App

The HMRC app is a powerful tool designed to streamline your interactions with HM Revenue & Customs. Here are eight of the best ways to maximize its features and manage your tax, benefits, and personal information effectively.

1. Check Your Tax Code to Avoid Overpaying Income Tax

If you’re employed or receiving a private pension, you will have a tax code—a combination of letters and numbers that determines how much tax is deducted from your income. While this might seem straightforward, your tax code can change whenever your circumstances do. Changes such as promotions, new job benefits, taking on additional work, or even significant life events like having children can all trigger a tax code adjustment.

Errors in tax codes affect millions annually, potentially leading to overpayments of thousands of pounds. The HMRC app enables you to check your tax code quickly and easily, ensuring you’re on the right track. Alongside your tax code, the app provides an estimated amount you will be paid shortly before payday. This feature is particularly useful for individuals with variable incomes, as it aids in budgeting and financial planning.

Additionally, the app allows you to download your employment history for the last five years and provides an estimate of your income tax liability for the current tax year. This comprehensive overview helps you stay informed and avoid unexpected financial surprises.

2. Manage Your Self-Assessment Easily

For most UK taxpayers, taxes are automatically deducted from wages, pensions, or savings, making the need for a self-assessment tax return unnecessary. However, if you have income from other sources—especially if you are self-employed—filing a self-assessment is mandatory. The HMRC app simplifies this process significantly.

Inside the app, you can view your unique taxpayer reference (UTR) and see a breakdown of your tax obligations. It highlights any overdue amounts or penalties, giving you a clear picture of your total tax liability. The app also facilitates quick payments through its bank feature, utilising Open Banking to pre-fill payment details, thereby minimizing the risk of errors. Additionally, you can set up payment deadline reminders, ensuring you stay on top of your obligations.

3. Check Your State Pension Entitlement

Understanding your state pension entitlement is crucial for financial planning, especially as you approach retirement age. The HMRC app allows you to see how much state pension you are currently receiving or are entitled to receive if you are under 66.

If you fall within the age range of approximately 40 to 73 and the app indicates that you are not on track to receive the maximum pension, it’s essential to explore ways to boost your entitlement. There are opportunities to fill gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record at no cost, and if you don’t qualify for these, you can purchase extra NI years—up to a limited time going back to 2006. Furthermore, if you are not yet receiving the state pension, the app will specify the exact date when you can begin your claims.

4. Check and Claim Child Benefit Worth Thousands

Child Benefit is a monthly payment from the Government to individuals responsible for children under the age of 16 (or under 20 if they remain in full-time education or unpaid training). If your income—or that of your partner—is £60,000 or less annually, you can claim the full benefit, which is up to £25.60 per week for each child.

If you have not previously claimed Child Benefit—perhaps due to a lack of awareness or because you are a new parent—the HMRC app can help you check your eligibility and submit your application. For those already receiving Child Benefit, the app offers the convenience of viewing payment history, obtaining proof of entitlement, updating bank details, and informing HMRC if your child continues in full-time education after turning 16.

5. Access or Apply for a Help to Save Account

The Help to Save scheme is designed to assist low-income earners who are receiving Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit by providing a savings boost. Participants can earn a 50% bonus on their savings, up to a maximum of £1,200 over four years.

You can check your eligibility for a Help to Save account directly through the HMRC app. If you already have an account, the app lets you view your transactions, balance, and bonus. You can set savings goals, receive monthly reminders, and use a savings calculator to see how different amounts saved will impact your bonuses.

If you do not yet have an account but are eligible, the app provides a calculator to estimate potential savings and guides you through the application process on the HMRC website.

6. Notify HMRC of Changes to Your Personal Circumstances

Keeping your personal information up to date with HMRC is vital, and the app allows you to make changes easily. In the ‘Your Details’ section, you can modify your address and name, for example, if you’ve recently married.

Be mindful that updating your address may affect any benefits you are receiving, so it’s your responsibility to inform HMRC of any changes as soon as possible. Failing to do so may result in overpayments that you could be required to repay.

7. Retrieve Your National Insurance Number and Purchase Additional NI Years

If you cannot find your National Insurance (NI) number, the HMRC app has simplified the process. You no longer have to wait up to 15 days for a letter from HMRC; you can check your NI number instantly through the app. You can save it as a document or store it in your digital wallet (like Google Wallet or Apple Wallet) for easy access.

The app also allows you to view your NI contributions and identify any gaps in your record, which is part of the new ‘Check Your State Pension Forecast’ online service. It illustrates how much your state pension could increase if you make certain voluntary NI contributions and allows you to top up gaps directly through the app instead of calling HMRC.

8. Check and Renew Tax Credits (Unless You Should Switch to Universal Credit)

Tax Credits provide financial support to individuals who either work but have a low income or who have children. There are two types of Tax Credits: Child Tax Credit, for those with children regardless of employment status, and Working Tax Credit, for those who work but earn below a certain threshold.

You can no longer apply for Tax Credits; instead, first-time applicants or those resuming claims after a break must apply for Universal Credit. However, if you are still receiving Tax Credits, the app allows you to check your current payments, monitor future payments, and report any changes. It also facilitates the renewal process, ensuring you remain compliant and continue to receive your entitlements.

The HMRC app offers a range of functionalities that simplify managing your tax affairs and benefits. By utilizing these eight features, you can take control of your finances, ensure you’re receiving the entitlements you deserve, and minimize the hassle of dealing with HMRC. Whether you’re verifying your tax code or applying for Child Benefit, the app is an essential tool for navigating the complexities of the UK tax system.