Could the HMRC app help you manage your taxes?

Currently, 1.2 million people use the HMRC app every month as a simple and convenient way to access key tax information.

As well as providing up-to-date information, the app can help you manage your tax payments, find out benefits you may be entitled to, and get in contact with HMRC.

It is a great alternative to accessing HMRC services online.

Accessing the app

You can download the app from either the App Store or Google Play for free. Once you have downloaded the app to your device, you will need to sign in for the first time using your Government Gateway Credentials.

Once you have signed in for the first time, you can access the app using either:

·        A six-digit pin

·        Your fingerprint

·        Facial recognition

When this has all been set up, you are free to access the app as and when you need.

Available information

On the app, you will be able to access information about your taxes both past and present. This will include:

·        Your Unique Taxpayer Number (UTR) for Self Assessment

·        Your National Insurance number

·        Your employment income for the current and previous five tax years

·        Your income and benefits

·        Your Child Benefit

·        Your State Pension

From here, you will be able to store your National Insurance number in your digital wallet, so you can more easily access it when you need to.

Making payments

The app can help you to stay on top of your tax payments.

From the app, you will be able to see how much Self-Assessment tax you owe. You can also make payments for this using open banking.

As well as making payments, you will be able to calculate your take-home pay and apply for any tax refunds.

HMRC communications

You can access letters and communications from HMRC in the app if you opt to communicate digitally. This allows you easy access to important information and makes you less likely to miss important messages.

Any forms that you have submitted can also have their progress tracked via the app so that you can be sure that everything is running smoothly.

Any updates to your personal or financial details can be updated through the app. This includes any changes to your name, address, and bank details.

New services

A recent update has expanded what the HMRC app allows you to do. As well as the above, you are now able to:

·        Manage your Child Benefit

·        View your National Insurance history

·        Check your State Pension forecast

This allows you to have a better idea of your financial past, present, and future.

Moving towards Making Tax Digital (MTD)

As the future of HMRC moves towards digital-only services, getting onboard early is the best practice.

The app is a step towards this digitisation of the tax system, with more updates to come, including the requirement to be more accessible to individual taxpayers.

MTD will be compulsory for the self-employed and landlords earning over £50,000 from April 2026. For those with an income above £30,000 but below £50,000, this will be from April 2027.

After these dates, you will be required to:

·        Maintain digital tax records

·        Use MTD-compliant software

·        Submit quarterly updates

If you are struggling to adapt to HMRC’s digital services, one of our experts can help.

Contact us today for help and advice with managing and accessing HMRC’s digital services.