The tax authority says it could avoid a lot of problems later
Thousands of people stepping into the workforce have been urged to take one simple step that could help them avoid tax problems from day one.
HMRC has issued an “essential” alert encouraging those leaving university and entering the workplace to download its free app. It says it is vital help when it comes to managing everything from their National Insurance number to checking they are paying the right amount of tax. In a social media post aimed at students planning life after university, the tax authority said: “Planning for life after uni?
“Start right with the HMRC app. From finding your National Insurance number to checking your employment history, it’s free, easy, and essential for your next step.”
For many graduates, the weeks before starting work are the first time they will need to deal directly with the tax system, making it important to ensure employers have the correct details to avoid emergency tax codes or payroll delays.
The app allows users to instantly view their National Insurance number – a detail many young workers discover they need when completing employment paperwork. It also lets employees check their tax code, monitor their income, see how much tax has been deducted and review their employment history over the previous five years.
The service can also help graduates estimate their take-home pay after Income Tax and National Insurance deductions before receiving their first payslip.
As careers develop, the app can also be used to track Child Benefit, check State Pension forecasts, view gaps in National Insurance contributions and manage Self Assessment if someone later becomes self-employed or has additional income.
Other features include claiming tax refunds, making Self-Assessment payments, updating personal details such as a change of address and tracking correspondence sent to HMRC. The app also enables users to store their National Insurance number in their digital wallet, making it easier to access when changing jobs.
After downloading the app, users sign in using their existing HMRC online account or create one if they do not already have one. They can then access it using a six-digit PIN, fingerprint or facial recognition. The reminder comes as thousands of university leavers prepare to enter the jobs market over the summer, with many starting graduate schemes, apprenticeships and permanent roles in the coming weeks.
Consumer experts have long advised first-time workers to check their tax code shortly after receiving their first payslip, as incorrect tax codes can leave employees paying too much tax or facing an unexpected bill later. Anyone who believes they have overpaid tax can also use the HMRC app to check whether they are due a refund and, in many cases, claim it directly through the service. More details here.
