HMRC – Page 2 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Claim your Child Trust Fund this National Apprenticeship Week

Young adults encouraged to find their matured Child Trust Fund quickly and for free using the GOV.UK locator tool
Child Trust Funds worth on average £2,242 each
Those starting an apprenticeship can use the HMRC App for essential information needed by their employer

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging young people in Scotland who have yet to claim their Child Trust Fund to do so during National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February).

While an apprenticeship can provide a good start to life in work, latest figures show 758,000 young people could be missing out on cash as they have yet to claim the savings in their Child Trust Fund account.

Child Trust Funds are long term, tax-free savings accounts which were set up for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 with an initial government deposit of at least £250.

Young people can take control of their account at 16, but once they turn 18 years old the account matures and they can decide whether they want to withdraw the money or re-invest it.

With more than 14,500 young people aged 24 and under on Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland, a Child Trust Fund worth on average £2,242 each, will give them a financial head start.

Hope Kerr-Williams, a 22 year-old apprentice from Nottingham, claimed her Child Trust Fund at 18.

Hope found out about her Child Trust Fund account when she was a teenager. Her parents had told her where it was invested and that they had paid an inheritance into it on her behalf. It was worth £5,000 by the time she claimed it and she used it to help pay for her expenses when she started university.

Hope said: “I was counting down the days until I could claim my Child Trust Fund as I was planning my move to Sheffield. I used it to put a deposit down on my flat, pay the first months’ rent and buy essentials for my accommodation, which all adds up when you have to buy everything at once. I also bought a laptop for my course.”

Hope says she doesn’t know how she would have managed costs without it and encouraged her friends to claim theirs.

“Having my Child Trust Fund account saved me from going into an overdraft or borrowing money when I had a lot of expenses at the start of university. It gave me independence and a great start to adult life, which I’m still grateful for.”

Hope graduated last summer and joined HMRC in November. She is one of 870 apprentices currently with HMRC and is doing a Level 4 PR and Communications Apprenticeship.

“I’m enjoying applying what I’ve learnt to my job. Apprenticeships allow you to work, study and gain experience while earning a qualification that’s directly relevant to your role. I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.”

For young people who know where their Child Trust Fund is held, they can contact the savings provider directly.

For those who don’t know where their Child Trust Fund is, the quickest and easiest way to locate it, is to use the GOV.UK Child Trust Fund locator tool.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer said: “Whether young people are on an apprenticeship, starting their first job, or making plans to go to university, a Child Trust Fund can make all the difference. Find yours today by searching ‘find my Child Trust Fund’ on GOV.UK”.

It is quick and easy to search for a Child Trust Fund account online. To make a request, young people just need provide their National Insurance number and Date of Birth.

For those who don’t have their National Insurance number to hand, young people can download the HMRC app to view it and save it in their digital wallet.

Nearly 1.7 million young people under the age of 25 have downloaded the HMRC app. While National Insurance number views is one of the most popular functions for young people using the HMRC app, they can also find other essential information at their fingertips – including Pay As You Earn (PAYE) information, their tax code as well as employment history.

More information about Child Trust Funds can be found on GOV.UK.

Act Now: 864,000 sole traders and landlords face new tax rules

More than 860,000 sole traders and landlords need to start using digital tax reporting from 6 April
Software available to help spread tax admin throughout the year, with thousands already testing the system successfully
Rollout forms part of the Government’s plan to transform the UK’s tax system to support economic growth

Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 from self-employment and property are being urged to act now with two months left to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.

From 6 April 2026, those eligible will need to use recognised software to keep digital records and send HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) light-touch quarterly updates of their income and expenses. These are not extra tax returns.

HMRC is providing a range of free support to help people prepare, including online guidance, webinars and videos. Those who genuinely cannot use digital tools can apply for an exemption. Further information and guidance are available on GOV.UK

Free software options are available and once income and expenses are recorded, the software generates a simple summary to send to HMRC.

At the end of a tax year, those within MTD for Income Tax will still need to file a tax return by the following 31 January – but the software will already hold the information from the quarterly updates, meaning no last-minute hunt for records or receipts.

Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said: “With two months to go until MTD for Income Tax launches, now is the time to act. A range of software is available and the system is straightforward and helps reduce errors. Thousands of volunteers have already used it successfully.

“This will make it easier for sole traders and landlords to stay on top of their tax affairs and help ensure everyone pays the right amount of tax.

“Spreading your tax admin throughout the year means avoiding that last minute scramble to complete a tax return every January. Go to GOV.UK and start preparing today.”

Thousands of sole traders and landlords have already signed up for MTD for Income Tax, with more than 12,000 quarterly updates successfully submitted through a voluntary testing programme.

Those joining MTD in April 2026 will still file their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year in the usual way by 31 January 2027, as this covers the period before MTD begins. The first MTD tax return, covering the 2026 to 2027 tax year, will be due by 31 January 2028.

To support the transition, the government has announced that customers joining MTD for Income Tax in April 2026 will not receive penalty points for late quarterly updates, for the first 12 months.

Under the new system, penalty points will be given for each late submission, with a £200 penalty only applied once four points are reached. This means occasional slip-ups won’t result in immediate fines.

HMRC is urging those in scope of MTD for Income Tax to act now: read the guidance, choose software and sign up on GOV.UK. Those who use a tax agent should speak to them about preparing.

11.48 million beat the Self Assessment deadline

97.25% of tax returns were filed online.
11.48 million people filed their Self Assessment tax returns by 31 January.
Anyone who missed the deadline should file their return and pay any tax owed as soon as possible.

More than 11.48 million people beat the deadline and filed their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by 31 January, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can reveal.

There were 475,722 taxpayers who waited until the final day to file their return. On the day:

27,456 people submitted theirs in the final hour (23:00 to 23:59)
the busiest hour for submitting a return was 17:00 to 17:59, when 32,982 people filed
HMRC advisers handled 5,409 webchats and 10,483 calls to the helplines which, unusually, were opened on a Saturday to provide extra support to customers on the deadline day

More than 12 million Self Assessment customers were expected to file a tax return and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year by 31 January. Anyone who needs to file a return and missed the deadline should meet their tax obligations as soon as possible, as late filing and late payment penalties are charged.

Customers can file their tax return now and pay any tax owed via GOV.UK. One of the quickest ways to pay is via the HMRC app. Time to Pay arrangements are available for those who cannot pay their tax bill in full, if they meet the relevant criteria. A full list of payment options is available on GOV.UK.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Thank you to the millions of people and agents who filed their Self Assessment tax return and paid any tax owed by 31 January.

“Anyone who missed the deadline should file their return as soon as possible, as penalties and late payment interest may be charged.

“HMRC digital channels are always the quickest and easiest way for people to sort their tax affairs. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

The penalties for filing a tax return late are:

an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late – 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.

Customers will be able to file their Self Assessment tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year from 6 April 2026.

More information about Self Assessment is available on GOV.UK.

Self Assessment 2026 facts summary:

12,029,168 Self Assessment returns expected
11,489,825 returns received by 31 January. This includes expected returns, voluntary returns and late registrations
10,957,825 expected returns received by 31 January (91.09% of returns, following adjustments)
an estimated 1 million customers missed the deadline
11,173,825 returns were filed online (97.25% of returns, following adjustments)
316,000 paper tax returns were filed (2.75% of returns, following adjustments)

Voluntary returns/late registrations are an estimate based on returns received by early January and previous filing behaviour.

These figures are indicative and may be subject to further adjustments once all figures have been ratified.

Sole traders and landlords with qualifying income of more than £50,000 will be required to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax from 6 April 2026 and be required to submit quarterly summaries of their income and expenses to HMRC.

HMRC is urging eligible customers to act now – whether they’re signing up a client or themselves, get ahead of the curve by taking the first step and sign-up on GOV.UK to access the new service and start preparing now.

The Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027.

Anyone who believes they no longer need to complete a tax return should notify HMRC as soon as possible.

Self Assessment: Millions still to file with seven days to go

ONE WEEK left to file your Self Assessment

Eight days until 31 January Self Assessment deadline
Miss the deadline and you may face an automatic £100 penalty
File your return now at GOV.UK and pay any tax due by 31 January – help and support available online

With just a week until the Self Assessment deadline, 8.6 million people have already filed their return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging taxpayers and agents who haven’t filed, to act now or risk missing the 31 January deadline – and face an automatic £100 penalty.

More than 11.5 million customers successfully filed by the deadline last year and HMRC wants to help the 3.3 million still outstanding this time around to do the same.

Those who haven’t started can find help and support at GOV.UK, including guidance, webinars and YouTube videos. HMRC’s online services are available around the clock.

Once a return is submitted, the quickest and easiest way to pay any tax owed is via the free HMRC app, which takes less than a minute. A full list of payment options is available on GOV.UK.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Don’t leave it until deadline day. Filing now will give you peace of mind that your tax return is completed and if you have tax to pay, you have a week to arrange payment.

“If you’re worried about paying your tax bill, you may be able to set up a payment plan online – search ‘difficulties paying HMRC’ on GOV.UK.”

This year’s deadline falls on a Saturday. Customers who need to speak to an adviser can call HMRC’s phone lines, which are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Phone lines close on Friday 30 January and reopen on Monday 2 February – after the deadline. For full phone support, contact HMRC before Friday 30 January.

On Saturday 31 January, HMRC will offer webchat support through its Online Services Helpdesk.

The penalties for late tax returns are:

an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late. Penalties will be charged at 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. If tax remains unpaid after the deadline, interest will also be charged on the amount owed, in addition to the penalties above.

HMRC will consider customers’ reasons for missing the deadline. Those with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty.

HMRC is urging eligible customers to act now – whether you’re signing up a client or yourself, get ahead of the curve by taking the first step and sign-up on GOV.UK to familiarise yourself with the new service and start preparing now.

Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027.Customers should be alert to the risk of scams.

HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information by text or email. Check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.

Self Assessment deadline looms: 65% surge in taxpayers paying via app

Almost 340,000 Self Assessment filers have already paid their tax bill using the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) app.
It is quick and easy to pay via the HMRC app and set up payment reminders.
Taxpayers need to file their return and pay tax they owe by 31 January.

The number of people using the HMRC app to pay their Self Assessment tax bill has increased by nearly 65%.

Almost 340,000 people have used it to pay since 6 April 2025, an increase of 132,788 people compared to the same period last year.

Self Assessment customers need to file their tax return online for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2026. HMRC is encouraging those yet to start theirs, to go to GOV.UK and do it now. Anyone who misses the deadline could be subject to an automatic £100 penalty.

Filing tax returns ahead of the deadline means knowing how much tax to pay sooner. It is quick and easy to pay via the HMRC app and set up payment reminders to make sure the deadline isn’t missed.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “The Self Assessment deadline is less than one month away, and thousands of people have already paid their tax bill via the HMRC app. It is quick and easy to do, and you can also see your payment history.

“Search ‘download the HMRC app’ on GOV.UK to access the app and make your Self Assessment payment.”

People unable to pay any tax owed in full may be able to set up a Time To Pay arrangement, if they meet the eligibility criteria and they owe less than £30,000.

Alternative options include paying directly through a bank account, direct debit or paying online via GOV.UK. A full list of payment options can be found on GOV.UK.

HMRC expects more than 12 million tax returns to be filed by the deadline. Those who miss the deadline will be issued with a penalty:

an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
after three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
after six months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months. If tax remains unpaid after the deadline, interest will also be charged on the amount owed, in addition to the penalties above.

Customers who need assistance to complete their Self Assessment can access support and guidance online 24/7, including YouTube videos, webinars, digital assistant and step-by-step guidance covering different sections of a tax return. Most queries can be resolved online.

Customers who need to speak to an adviser can call HMRC, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Phone lines close on Friday 30 January and reopen on Monday 2 February – after the deadline. For full phone support, contact HMRC before Friday 30 January. On Saturday 31 January, HMRC will offer webchat support through its Online Services Helpdesk.

The new High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) PAYE digital service means thousands of Child Benefit claimants who are only in Self Assessment to pay HICBC can choose to pay the charge back through their tax code.

Eligible customers can call HMRC before the filing deadline to say they want to be removed from Self Assessment to use the digital service. Where a tax return has already been filed, customers can choose to stop from the following tax year. HMRC will then amend their tax code and they will be registered to pay HICBC through PAYE.

Self Assessment customers are sometimes targeted by criminals and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

4,800 Self Assessment scams reported

More than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported to HMRC.
In the last 10 months, HMRC received more than 135,500 reports of suspected scams.
HMRC urges people to stay alert to potential scams ahead of the Self Assessment deadline.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning after more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported since February 2025.

Scammers use persuasive and threatening tactics to target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC. They send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand over personal information.

In the last 10 months, customers have reported more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams, including 29,000 scams referring to fake tax refund claims.

HMRC is reminding customers to be vigilant as the Self Assessment deadline nears and check whether the email, SMS message or phone call claiming to be from HMRC is genuine on GOV.UK.

The Self Assessment deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026. Customers can file online on GOV.UK.

Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said: “Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.

“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC. Just search ‘report an HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

HMRC has taken swift action to close down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the last 10 months. HMRC will never:

leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest
ask for personal or financial information via text message or email
contact customers by email, text, or phone to inform them about a refund or ask them to claim one

Anyone who receives suspicious communication from HMRC can forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, SMS messages to 60599 or report phone calls mimicking HMRC on GOV.UK. Find out more about how to report scam activity to HMRC on GOV.UK.

Covid fraud cost UK taxpayer £10.9 BILLION, reveals independent report

Independent Commissioner finds last government’s support schemes left the front door open to covid fraud with £10.9 billion lost to pandemic fraudsters
Government has already actioned recommendations in Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s report – including new fraud powers and voluntary repayment scheme
Further action planned to retrieve lost funds and prevent repeat of mistakes in future crises

Taxpayers lost £10.9 billion to fraud and error as the previous government’s pandemic response left the front door open to fraud, an independent report reveals today.

The Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner, Tom Hayhoe’s, final report to Parliament finds many schemes – including Bounce Back Loans and Eat Out to Help Out – were rolled out with huge fraud risks and no early safeguards – costing the taxpayer millions.

Weak accountability, bad quality data and poor contracting were identified as the primary causes of the £10.9 billion pound losses – which were enough to fund daily free school meals for the UK’s 2.7 eligible million children for eight years.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves appointed Tom Hayhoe in December 2024 to ensure mistakes of the past are never repeated, with this government already recouping almost £400 million of covid support cash.

Chancellor, Rachel Reeves said: “Leaving the front door wide open to fraud has cost the British taxpayer £10.9 billion — money that should have been funding our public services, supporting families, and strengthening our economy.

“We have started returning this money to the British people and we will leave no stone unturned in rooting out the fraudsters who profited from pandemic negligence.”

The government has already actioned many of the Commissioner’s early proposals. These include:

A voluntary repayment scheme, launched in September, giving claimants until 31 December to pay up.
Tougher sanctions powers through the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill, which became law on 2 December.
Specialist fraud recovery teams to track down suspected fraudsters and recover taxpayer cash, from 2026.

Josh Simons, Cabinet Office Minister, said: “We’re taking more action to bring fraudsters to justice and make the state the hardest possible target: giving investigators new powers to take on cases, using artificial intelligence to speed-up counter-fraud work, and setting up a repayment scheme to claw back money into the public purse.”

The report highlights that counter fraud controls were ‘inadequate’ and only improved later in the pandemic. Hayhoe makes further recommendations to ensure the country is prepared for further crises that need an economic response from government – emphasising that future preparation and robust controls will provide the best value for money for taxpayers.

The government will consider the report in full and respond early in the new year.

HMRC asks Self Assessment customers in Scotland ‘What’s your filing style?’

With less than two months until the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is asking people filing their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year ‘What’s your filing style?’ and encouraging them to start now.

HMRC is launching an online poll asking people to pick how they choose to file.

Are they an early bird – filing within a few days of the new tax year, a dipper – someone who dips in and out throughout the year – or, a last minute panicker – rushing to submit their form in the last hours of 31 January?

The poll will run on HMRC’s X, LinkedIn and Facebook channels for 7 days.

Last year 735,316 Self Assessment customers in Scotland filed before the 31 January deadline. In total more than 11.5 million taxpayers filed their 2023 to 2024 tax return on time.

Millions of people have already filed their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, with 58,000 early birds returning theirs on 6 April 2025 – the first day they could. Customers can complete their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year on GOV.UK.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: ““For customers yet to file, there’s still time to start and submit an accurate tax return. Don’t leave something as important as your tax return to the last minute. Go to GOV.UK to start today.”

Those who start their tax return early can take their time to access the range of online help available to them. Once started they have time to dip back in as many times as they need to check it’s accurate before submitting.

Those who file their tax return early don’t need to pay their tax bill straight away but can consider the best way to settle it ahead of the deadline.

The quickest and easiest way to pay is via the free and secure HMRC app although a full list of alternative payment options are available on GOV.UK.

For customers who are unable to pay their tax bill in full, HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time To Pay. They can set up a plan online on GOV.UK. Alternatively, they can contact the helpline.

If anyone is unsure if they need to fill in a tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, they can use the Self Assessment checker tool on GOV.UK where they can also register and notify HMRC if they no longer need to complete one.

Child Benefit claimants who would only file a tax return to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) can now opt out of Self Assessment and choose to pay it through their tax code via the new PAYE digital service.

Eligible customers can call HMRC to de-register from Self Assessment before the filing deadline. Where a tax return has already been sent, customers can choose to de-register from the following tax year. HMRC will then amend their tax code and they will be registered to pay HICBC through the new PAYE digital service.

Self Assessment customers are at increased risk of being targeted by criminals and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

Regional filing figures for 2023 to 2024 tax year:

Area	Taxpayers filed by 31 January 2025
North East	299,933
North West	1,008,962
Yorkshire and Humber	752,622
East Midlands	732,126
West Midlands	846,517
East of England	1,217,512
London	1,993,782
South East	1,941,142
South West	1,122,640
Northern Ireland	269,220
Scotland	735,316
Wales	432,488
All	11,519,566

Christmas crafters urged to check tax rules

Side hustlers selling festive items need to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online if earnings exceed £1,000 a year
HMRC’s Help for Hustles campaign supports people earning extra income during festive season to understand tax obligations
Online checker tool can clarify if and when side hustlers need to report their additional income

People making money from Christmas crafts, seasonal market stalls, or selling festive items are being urged to check if they need to tell HMRC about their earnings.

As the festive season approaches, HMRC’s Help for Hustles campaign is reminding anyone earning extra income from activities like making Christmas decorations, upcycling furniture for seasonal sales, or running market stalls, that they will need to tell HMRC if they earn more than £1,000.

The campaign’s guidance explains the important distinction between simply decluttering homes by selling unwanted personal belongings – which doesn’t usually require reporting to HMRC – and trading activities like making items to sell for profit, which may be taxable.

Anyone who earned more than £1,000 from side hustles in the 2024 to 2025 tax year will need to register for Self Assessment as a sole trader, file their return and pay any tax due by 31 January 2026.

This £1,000 threshold applies to all trading activities combined – so someone earning £600 from craft sales and £500 from content creation would need to register as their total exceeds £1,000.

Visit GOV.UK to file a Self Assessment tax return online for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and pay any tax owed.

Kevin Hubbard, HMRC’s Director of Individuals & Small Business Compliance, said: “Whether you’re making handmade Christmas decorations, selling upcycled furniture, or running a seasonal market stall, it’s important to understand when your festive side hustle becomes taxable trading.

“Nobody wants an unexpected tax bill, so anyone earning more than £1,000 from their side hustle should tell HMRC. Our Help for Hustles campaign provides clear, straightforward guidance to help people get their tax right.”

Graham Wilson OBE, National Association of British Markets’ Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Markets are an important part of Christmas celebrations and every year, town centres around the country witness thousands of traders enriching the festive atmosphere.

“As the national organisation for market operators, we want to encourage all traders, particularly those who are trading for the first time, to be clear about their obligations for tax arising from their earnings and we welcome the guidance and support provided by HMRC on this important issue.”

People can use a free online checker on GOV.UK to find out if they need to tell HMRC about additional income. Guidance is also available on the Help for hustles campaign page, explaining the different types of side hustles, including selling items, providing services and creating content.

Let’s talk about tax with the HMRC app

HMRC encourages families to start financial conversations this Talk Money Week (3 to 7 November) using the HMRC app.
More than 5.6 million people have accessed the app this tax year.
The app is a quick and easy way to get information about your tax, National Insurance and State Pension forecast.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging families to start financial discussions and use the HMRC app during Talk Money Week (3 to 7 November) as it reveals its most popular app services.

This year’s Talk Money Week theme is ‘start the conversation’ and the HMRC app provides tax and financial information for all ages. People can view and save their National Insurance number, claim Child Benefit and check their State Pension forecast.

More than 5.6 million people have used the HMRC app since 6 April 2025 and the most popular services include:

checking their pay before it lands in their bank account and other Pay As You Earn (PAYE) information – 4.14 million users
viewing their annual tax summary – 1.94 million users
viewing or saving their National Insurance number or checking contributions – 1.79 million users
checking their State Pension forecast – 1.49 million users
viewing their Self Assessment summary and making payments – 1.19 million users

The whole family can help each other with financial planning, whether it’s grandparents helping their teen grandchildren understand National Insurance, or discussions on how to check State Pension forecasts. Anyone can join the millions of customers using the HMRC app to get frank family financial conversations started.

People can download the HMRC app to their Android or iPhone. Once set up, they can start using it straight away to view their tax information or update personal information, for example their name or address.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “It’s not always easy talking about finances, especially between generations. As part of Talk Money Week, we’re encouraging families to lean into talking about money.

“From budgeting tips to tax basics, the HMRC app makes it easy to access tax information and kick start those important conversations. You can download the HMRC app today.”

HMRC has today launched its refreshed HMRC app campaign to encourage people to be ‘On It’ and use its digital services. People using these services can access information and be reassured that tasks like claiming Child Benefit, signing up to Help to Save or claiming a tax refund, are completed.