We want to let you know about services available online and in the HMRC app that can help boost and manage finances.
What can the HMRC app and online services help with?
1) Claim money back on work expenses
2) Claim and manage Child Benefit
3) Claim a tax refund
4) Claim Marriage Allowance
There is also some guidance on how to use the HMRC app for the first time
How to use the HMRC app for the first time
The HMRC app allows users to check and manage finances at your own convenience. If this is your first time using the app, there are three simple steps:
1) Download the free HMRC app
2) Follow the instructions on screen to complete the app settings - You will be asked to sign in
3) You will need to know your Government Gateway user ID and password to sign into your account on the app for the first time, but after that can just select facial recognition, a short PIN or choose to use a fingerprint to get in quicker. If you don't already have an ID and password, this can be created on the same sign in page.
1. Support for employees – claim tax relief on employee expenses
Did you know you may be able to claim tax refunds on work-related expenses? Making a claim online via GOV.UK takes minutes and guarantees that you get 100% of the money back, if eligible.
Use the online claim service to check eligibility and a full list of work expenses, including:
1) uniforms and work clothing
2) buying work-related equipment
3) professional fees, union memberships, and subscriptions
4) using own vehicle for work travel (excluding journey from home to work)
Find out more about how to make a work-related expense claim. There’s also communication resources for claiming tax relief to share with your employees on GOV.UK.
2. Support if you’ve paid too much tax – claim a tax refund
If you have paid too much tax, claim a refund easily through the HMRC app
This is the quickest way to claim your tax refund from us. We’ll pay the refund straight into your bank account and means you don’t have to wait for us to send it by post.
To claim your tax refund, select the 'Pay As You Earn (PAYE)' section in the HMRC app. If you’re due money back from us, you’ll see a green button on the page to claim your refund and the amount we owe. Select this button to begin your claim.
Find out more about claiming a tax refund via the HMRC app
3. Support for families – claim and manage Child Benefit
If you are responsible for children, you can claim as much as £1,248 a year in Child Benefit for the first child and could also receive nearly £827 a year for any other children you have.
Parents can now claim and manage their Child Benefit online, and could get their first payment in as little as 3 working days.
You can also use the HMRC app to view recent payments, get proof of entitlement and update your bank details. This will all help to ensure you don’t miss out on any payments.
You should still apply if they or their partner’s income is over £50,000 a year. You may have heard of the High Income Child Benefit Charge, but this shouldn’t put you off. By claiming, you can get National Insurance credits towards a State Pension. You can also opt out of payments, when you claim or receive them and pay the charge.
4. Support for couples married or in civil partnerships – Claim Marriage Allowance
Married couples and those in civil partnerships can share their personal allowances, if one partner has an income under their Personal Allowance threshold – which is usually £12,570 – and the higher earning partner’s income is between £12,571 and £50,270 (£43,662 in Scotland).
This allows couples to transfer £1,260 of the lower earners personal allowance to their husband, wife, or civil partner, and reduces their tax by up to £252 a year.
Couples can apply any time and backdate their claims for any of the previous tax years since 2019, if eligible. It’s free to complete a Marriage Allowance application online to receive 100% of the tax relief they’re eligible for.