HMRC are promoting their App as a gift to seasonal Christmas workers in making it easier to access their employer's details and their own tax information.
Launched in 2016 as a way to access an individual's online tax account, HMRC's App has largely gone unnoticed by employers, employees and tax agents. According to official figures, 340,000 used it to access employment and income information since July 2022.
The App is only available to download from Google and Apple App stores and not the .GOV website. It does require the user to already have access with a Gateway ID. Applying for one can be done online at HMRC registration.
On first opening it, users will need to enter their HMRC Government Gateway identifier and password to access their online tax account. They will be prompted to create a six-digit code or fingerprint scan to access the App in the future.
Use the HMRC app to see:
- Your tax code and National Insurance number.
- An estimate of the tax you need to pay.
- Your income and benefits.
- How much you will receive in tax credits and when they will be paid.
- Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment.
- How much Self Assessment tax you may owe.
Use the HMRC app to:
- Make a Self Assessment payment.
- Report tax credits changes and complete your renewal.
- Access your Help to Save account.
- Use our tax calculator to work out your take-home pay after Income Tax and National Insurance deductions.
- Track forms and letters you have sent to HMRC.
- Claim a refund if you have paid too much tax.
- Update your postal address.
HMRC have also produced a YouTube video explaining how to use the App.
Comment
The App is clear and easy to use and allows access to Self Assessment services. The major concern ought to be security. HMRC require an eleven-digit Gateway ID and a password for normal access to services and emphasises the importance of securing your account. For such highly sensitive information as UTR, national insurance number and other data, a six-digit code on a mobile phone seems like a step backwards.
Useful guides on this topic
Self-employment: Registering for Tax
You are self-employed, you have started working for yourself, what do you need to do now? How to register for tax. When do you pay tax? What records do you keep?
How to check your PAYE Code
Is my PAYE coding correct? How does HMRC work out tax codes? Why do people ignore their P2 code change notices? Follow the links to expert guidance.
Time limits for tax assessments, claims and refunds
What are the time limits for claiming a tax refund? How far can HMRC go back and raise an assessment? How many years back can a taxpayer appeal? What are the time limits for correcting a tax return?
Self Assessment Return 2021/22: What's new?
2022 Self Assessment toolkit: top tips for completing tax returns for the year ending 5 April 2022.
External link
Christmas workers can save time with HMRC app
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