Money on your mind? The HMRC app has it covered

• Research shows the majority of people are not prepared for financial milestones and wish they’d learnt about money matters earlier in life.
• Millions of people use the HMRC app to understand tax and money.
• Whether starting a new job, applying for a mortgage or facing retirement, the HMRC app can help you get on top of financial affairs.

More than 56% of people say they weren’t prepared for life’s financial milestones with one in four admitting they lack basic knowledge about money matters but are too embarrassed to ask, according to new research.

A recent HMRC survey into customers’ online habits revealed that while the majority wished they’d learnt about big financial moments earlier in life, one in five people turn to the HMRC app when they want to understand money and tax matters.

Whether it’s applying for or changing jobs, getting a mortgage, claiming Child Benefit or thinking about retirement, the HMRC app has the big money moments covered.

More than 3 million people visited the app in July alone giving them instant access to their tax code, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) details, employment history, Self Assessment record, Child Benefit, and State Pension forecast as well as budgeting and saving tips.

Users can also access their National Insurance number and save it to their digital wallet, so they always have it handy for life’s milestones.

With helpful pop-up explainers on each service, it’s handy for those who want straightforward explanations to build their basic tax knowledge.

Anyone yet to download the HMRC app can get it via GOV.UK or from the App Store or Google Play.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer said:

“Whatever your stage in life, downloading the HMRC app means you can face financial moments confidently and be fully informed about your tax and money matters.”

5,200 people took part in the survey and it revealed:

• almost 50% said they wished they’d learnt about savings and investing earlier
• more than 25% of people had wished they’d learnt about getting a mortgage earlier
• 33% of people wished they’d learnt about pensions earlier in life with 10% admitting they’d never checked their State Pension forecast

The HMRC app shows PAYE income for the previous five tax years and Self Assessment records, which could help with regular saving or budgeting plans and mortgage applications. Customers can also check their State Pension summary via the app.

When asked about their knowledge of tax basics, while 25% said they had used the app to check their personal tax details and income information, the survey also revealed:

• 14% of people have no idea if they’re on the right tax code
• 16% of people check their tax code when dealing with a financial milestone
• 29% had never checked their tax code

When faced with a change in jobs, while almost half of those surveyed said they only understood how tax would be deducted from their salary when they started their first job and saw their first payslip, the survey also showed:

• more than 40% of people had used the app to access their tax code, National Insurance, income and employment history – essential information needed when starting a job
• 40% also said using digital tools, including apps, to manage their tax, had made their job transition easier

HMRC's Tax Confident website provides customers with clear, simple resources to help them understand the money basics including information about tax and paying tax on your income

Notes to Editors

1. The HMRC survey was carried out between 27 February and 12 March 2026 into the digital habits of 5,206 consumers.
2. Online reviews for the HMRC app are currently 4.8 stars on the App Store, and 4.6 stars on Google Play.
3. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on X @HMRCpressoffice