Updated tax app launched

Over 250,000 people have downloaded HM Revenue and Customs’ tax calculator app which allows people to work out how much tax they pay and how the Government spends it.

The tax app, which was introduced in the spring, has been updated with added features and can be downloaded for free from Apple’s iTunes store or from the Google Play store.

David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:

“Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is spent. The calculator is an excellent way to bring transparency into the tax system. With so many people downloading the app, we can see that there is a real appetite to know where taxpayers’ hard-earned money is spent.”

The new features include:

• Updated public spending information
  
• Pop-up explanations giving detailed descriptions of each spending category
• Ability to enter your own tax code
• More details on tax rates used – showing what income has been taxed at which rate and the rate at which National Insurance has been charged
  

HMRC’s online calculator has also been used 200,000 times.

Notes to editors

In November 2011, the Government launched a vision for a more transparent, open, and easier to understand tax system and a consultation, Modernising the administration of the personal tax system, looking at ways to make it easier for people to access information about their taxes.

iPhone version (Apple App store): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/hmrc/id514561564

Android version (Google Play): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.gov.hmrc.ptcalc