HMRC is urging everyone with a smartphone and a National Insurance Number to take action
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging anyone with a National Insurance number to take action as soon as possible. If you lose your number, this can be quite the inconvenience, as it is used for a wide range of tax purposes.
It is also vital for keeping track of your National Insurance record which will have an effect on your future retirement fund. Thankfully HMRC has shared an easy way to keep and view your number, through the HMRC app. The free app also provides information on certain benefits and taxes.
Writing on X, HMRC said: “Download the HMRC app to view your National Insurance number. When you’re on it, you’re on it. Download today.”
Who can use the HMRC app
The HMRC app is available on both iOS and Android devices through their respective app stores. It is free to download and access and can be used to view a wide array of things related to your tax and benefits, including your:
- gaps in National Insurance contributions
- National Insurance number
- employment and income history from the previous 5 years
- Child Benefit
- Self Assessment tax and how much you owe
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment
- State Pension forecast
- tax code
- income and benefits
The app can also be used to help with your self assessment and details, including:
- updatupdating your address
- setting a reminder to make a Self Assessment payment
- saving your National Insurance number to your digital wallet
- getting an estimate of the tax you need to pay
- using the tax calculator to work out your take home pay after Income Tax and National Insurance deductions
- asking HMRC’s digital assistant for help and information
- checking for gaps in your National Insurance contributions and the benefits of paying them
- updating your name
- tracking forms and letters you have sent to HMRC
- claiming a refund if you have paid too much tax
- choosing to be contacted by HMRC electronically, instead of by letter
- checking if you can make a payment for gaps in your National Insurance contributions
- making a Self Assessment payment
- making a Simple Assessment payment
- accessing your Help to Save account
How to register an account on the HMRC app
When you first open the app, you will need to enter your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you don’t have one already, you can create one online by providing your name, email address, password, and a ‘recovery word’.
Once you have logged into the HMRC app, you will be asked to set up a way to sign in more quickly. This can consist of six-digit PIN or, where applicable to your smartphone, your fingerprint or facial recognition.
Further details on accessibility options for those who require it on both Android and iOS can be found here.
