HMRC issues alert to everyone with a National Insurance number

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is asking anyone with a National Insurance number to take action.

While it can be an inconvenience to lose your National Insurance number, it can also cause issues down the line when you need to sort out your taxes. Furthermore, it could affect your retirement fund as the number is linked directly to your National Insurance contributions.

However, HMRC stated that their free HMRC app is a simple solution for managing your National Insurance number. The app not only stores your number but also offers aid with benefits and taxes.

In a statement 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 and is readily available in their respective app stores at no cost. It serves as a hub for various tax and benefit details, including:

• 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:

• updating 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

To register an account on the HMRC app, you will need to enter your Government Gateway user ID and password when you first open the app. 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 could be a 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.