Christmas workers can save time with HMRC app

As tens of thousands of people start seasonal jobs over the next few weeks, they can use the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) app to save them time to find details they need to pass on to their employer.

In the 12 months up to October 2022, HMRC received almost 3 million calls from people asking for information that is now readily available on the app, with more than 340,000 using it to access employment and income information since July 2022.

Downloading the free and easy to use HMRC app allows secure access to information about personal tax affairs, avoiding the need to call HMRC.

New functions and capability mean that customers can access their income and employment history, salary information, National Insurance number or tax code via the app, whenever they need it. The information can be downloaded and printed – so there is no need to call HMRC to ask for it to be sent in the post. This means that using the app rather than calling the helpline makes the process much quicker.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General of Customer Services, said:

“Whether you’re starting a new role in customer services, delivering parcels or managing warehouse logistics – the HMRC app is a secure and easy way to access your tax code, National Insurance number and employment details so you can let your new employer know. It’s accessible at the touch of a button and is quicker than calling HMRC.

“To find out how to download it, search ‘HMRC app’ on GOV.UK.”

Victoria Atkins MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

“Christmas is busy enough – especially if you have taken on a seasonal job - so anything which can save you time is to be welcomed.

“The free and secure HMRC app is just such a thing, it makes searching for employment information quick and easy, whether you need to check your National Insurance number, find out how much you will be paid and much more.”

App users will need a user ID and password, so they can access their personal information. If customers need to set one up, the app will guide them through the process.

More than 3.5 million people have used the HMRC app since it launched in September 2016, and more than 1.6 million customers used it at least once in the last year.

HMRC has released a video which explains how customers can use the HMRC app to check their employment history, income, tax codes and National Insurance number.

The app is compatible with built-in accessibility functions on a customer’s smartphone including:

• invert colours and adjust contrast levels
• increase the text size without the text truncating or overlapping
• navigate the app using switch control/access
• using voice activation
• listen to the app with a screen reader

The government is offering help for households as a result of the increased cost of living pressures. Visit GOV.UK to find out more about the available cost-of-living support and eligibility requirements.

Notes to Editors

1. More information about the HMRC app

3. Once a customer has signed into the app for the first time, they can use facial recognition, their fingerprint or a 6-digit pin to get fast and secure access.

4. Customers who don’t have a Government Gateway user ID and password will need two forms of evidence to prove their identity. This can include their UK passport and UK driving licence.

5. We’re urging customers never to share their Government Gateway user ID and password. Someone using these details could steal from them or make a fraudulent claim in their name.

6. App users can also benefit from other functions on the app. These include:

• check your payments from your employer
• registering for Self Assessment
• making a Self Assessment payment
• reporting tax credits changes and completing renewals
• accessing their Help to Save account
• using HMRC’s tax calculator to work out their take home pay after Income Tax and National Insurance deductions
• tracking forms and letters they have sent to us
• claiming a refund if they have paid too much tax
• updating their address

7. In the 12 months up to October 2022, HMRC received:

• 354,499 calls from people who forgot/lost their National Insurance number
• 444,301 calls from people who wanted their employment history and tax details
• 323,381 calls from people who wanted their tax codes

8. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice