HMRC App and how to use it 

Have you spent hours on the phone trying to get through to HMRC? 

If you are one of the thousands of people who have tried to talk to someone at HMRC, and then been cut off before being able to speak to anyone, you are not alone. 

This is a common issue, and it looks like HMRC realise that they have a problem.

In an attempt to make things easier for taxpayers HMRC launched the HMRC App and they now encourage tax payers to check the app before trying to call them. This  could save you a long wait.

So what can you use the APP for? 

You can use it to check:

• your tax code
• National Insurance number
• income and benefits
• employment and income history from the previous 5 years
• how much you will receive in tax credits and when they will be paid
• State Pension forecast
• if you have any gaps in National Insurance contributions
• your Child Benefit
• how much Self-Assessment tax you owe
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self-Assessment

It should also be your first port of call for:

• making a Self-Assessment payment
• setting a reminder to make a Self-Assessment payment
• reporting tax credits changes and completing your renewal
• updating your name and address.

You can also use the App to access your Help to Save account, use the 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.

There are tools to enable you:

• to ask HMRC’s digital assistant for help and information.
• save your National Insurance number to your digital wallet.
• check if you can make a payment for gaps in your National Insurance contributions.
• choose to be contacted by HMRC electronically, instead of by letter.

Where can you find the App?

To use the App firstly download it from:

• the App Store for iOS
• the Google Play Store for Android

You will then need your Government Gateway, if you do not register before you can either use the App to create own or following the HMRC guidance on setting up your Gateway code which can be found here : HMRC online services: sign in or set up an account: Set up an account for HMRC online services – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you need to create a Government Gateway you will need to provide two forms of identification – for example a driving licence, passport, payslip or P60.

Once you have set up the App you’ll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using either:

• a 6-digit PIN
• your fingerprint
• facial recognition

If I have the App why do I need an accountant?

While the HMRC app can be very useful for managing your taxes and understanding your tax situation, there are several reasons why you might still want to consider hiring an accountant:

Expertise: Accountants have specialised knowledge and experience in tax law and financial management. They can provide advice and guidance on complex tax issues that the HMRC app may not be able to handle.

Time-saving: Managing your finances and taxes can be time-consuming. An accountant can take care of these tasks for you, freeing up your time for other things.

Financial planning: An accountant can help with financial planning and strategy, helping you to make the most of your money and to plan for the future.

Error prevention: Mistakes in your tax returns can lead to penalties. An accountant can help to ensure that your returns are accurate and compliant with tax laws.

Business growth: If you’re a business owner, an accountant can provide valuable insights into your business’s financial health and help to identify opportunities for growth.

Therefore the HMRC app is a valuable tool, but it doesn’t replace the personalised advice and expertise that an accountant can provide. 

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