HMRC adds new features to its app – here’s what you can do

HMRC is adding new services on its app to help 35 million taxpayers manage their tax affairs more easily.

The move is part of the tax office's push to streamline services and make 90% of customer interactions digital by 2030, up from 76% today. But other ways to contact HMRC will still be available. 

Here, Which? takes a look at what's new, what's coming next and how these changes could affect you. 

What is the HMRC app?

The HMRC app is a free tool, available on the App Store and Google Play, that lets you manage parts of your tax record from your phone. 

You'll need your Government Gateway ID and password the first time you sign in.

You can already use the app to check your tax code, view your National Insurance number, access your child benefit details and get reminders about self-assessment deadlines. You can also make payments using open banking.

• Find out more: key self-assessment dates.

What new features are coming?

It's set to be introduced during the 2025-26 tax year, and taxpayers will be able to use the HMRC app to update income changes, check allowances or deductions and ensure they're paying the correct amount of tax. 

Other new features will include: 

• The ability for PAYE taxpayers to claim tax relief on allowable expenses, such as work travel, overnight stays or uniform costs, and upload supporting evidence
• Tools for child benefit claimants to track their claims and view payments in real time
• An expanded SMS confirmation service covering self-assessment appeals and complaints, all complaint services and some PAYE services to help people register or confirm that they no longer need to file
• wider use of HMRC’s biometric voice system across its phone services.

These updates are part of 50 new measures HMRC says it’s introducing to simplify the tax system and reduce pressure on its phone services.

HMRC also plans to link self-assessment tax returns with child benefit data for those not reporting payments through their tax code and to digitalise the inheritance tax service from 2027. 

• Find out more: online tax returns explained.

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What to do if you can’t or don’t want to use the app?

You don’t need a smartphone to deal with HMRC. If you’d rather speak to someone or send something in the post, other options are still available. You can:

• Call HMRC using the relevant helpline numbers listed on the government website
• Use the online chatbot for simple queries
• Send a letter or use an online contact form, depending on the issue.

HMRC says it will continue to write to households who don’t have internet access or who struggle to use its digital services. However, it’s also aiming to reduce the number of letters it sends. 

At the moment, HMRC contacts taxpayers by post for various reasons, including tax code changes, self-assessment reminders and requests for information. In future, it will only send physical letters if you owe tax — part of a wider move to cut postal costs by £50m a year.

In summer 2023, HMRC trialled closing its self-assessment helpline to encourage more people to use online services. The decision drew heavy criticism from campaigners, tax professionals and MPs, and the helpline was reinstated ahead of the peak filing period.

Eight things to check on the HMRC app

Once you're signed in, the app lets you manage a range of tax-related tasks and check key information in one place. Here are eight things you can do:

1. Check if you’re on the right tax code

If you're employed or receive a private pension, you'll have a tax code. This is a series of numbers and letters that dictate how much tax is taken from your income. There are multiple codes depending on your circumstances. 

The most common tax code is 1257L, used when you have only one source of income, either from a job or pension. It means you can earn up to the personal allowance of £12,570 a year before being taxed. 

It's down to you to make sure your tax code is right and up to date. If your code is incorrect, you risk either paying too much tax or not enough.

• Find out more: tax codes and what they mean.

2. Check your National Insurance number 

You can find out your National Insurance number in the app and add it to your digital wallet if you're using a smartphone. 

HMRC recommends setting up security features on your device, such as a Pin or facial recognition, to help keep your data safe.

• Find out more: national insurance rates and contributions.

3. Check employment and income history

You can view the employer payments, tax and National Insurance contributions that have been reported to HMRC.

The data covers the past five years and covers all employment you have had. It’s a useful way to check your employer has reported your income correctly.

• Find out more: what is PAYE?

4. Use self-assessment

If you're self-employed or have other forms of income, you may need to file a self-assessment tax return. The HMRC app shows your unique taxpayer reference (UTR) and provides a breakdown of how much tax you owe. 

It also displays any overdue amounts or penalties, along with your total tax liability. You can pay through the app using open banking and get reminders about key deadlines. 

• Find out more: how to file self-assessment.

 5. Check your state pension entitlement

If you're not yet receiving the state pension, you can check how much you're on track to get and the date you'll become eligible to claim. 

The amount depends on your National Insurance record and when you reach state pension age. You usually need 35 qualifying years to get the full new state pension of £230.25 a week. You need at least 10 years to receive anything at all.

• Find out more: check your state pension forecast.

6. Buy voluntary National Insurance years

If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, the app can show how much your state pension could increase by paying voluntary contributions. 

You can pay for both full and partial years directly through the app. 

• Find out more: should you top up your state pension?

7. Claim child benefit

If you're a parent or guardian, you use the app to apply for child benefit and manage your claim. 

If already claiming, you can view your payment history, get proof of entitlement, change your bank details and update your personal information.  

• Find out more: child benefit rates and calculator 2025-26.

8/ Apply for a Help to Save account

The app lets you check if you're eligible for a Help to Save account – a government scheme for people on universal credit that offers a 50% bonus on savings, worth up to £1,200 over four years.

If you have an account, you can use the app to: 

• View transactions, check your balance and bonus
• Set a savings goal and monthly reminders
• Use the calculator to see how different savings affect your bonus
• Find out how to pay by standing order or bank transfer.