HM Revenue and Customs has warned that as many as one million people each year neglect to reclaim tax they have overpaid.
The tax authority is urging Britons to download its free smartphone application to verify whether they are entitled to any money back.
In a post on social media platform X, HMRC stated: “Could you be one of the million missing out on a tax refund? Log onto the HMRC app to easily manage your money and claim any tax you’re owed. Download today.”
The secure app is available at no cost and can be accessed at any time on smartphones or tablets.
Taxpayers may find themselves owed money for several reasons. Being assigned an incorrect tax code, perhaps due to HMRC holding inaccurate details about earnings, is one common cause.
Those who left one position and began another while receiving wages from both employers within the same month could also be affected.
Starting to receive payments from a workplace pension scheme is another trigger for potential overpayments.
Additionally, individuals who have claimed Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker’s Allowance may have paid more than necessary.
Taxpayers may find themselves owed money for several reasonsTaxpayers may find themselves owed money for several reasons
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GETTYAnyone who suspects they have overpaid but has not received a tax calculation letter can submit a claim through the app, online, or by telephoning 0300 200 3300.
Within the HMRC app, users will find a Pay As You Earn section displaying a summary of their income tax information for both the current and previous years.
This area shows what the tax authority knows about a person’s earnings and allows individuals to add any missing details.
Should a refund be due, a button will appear on this page enabling users to initiate their claim directly.
Should a refund be due, a button will appear on this page enabling users to initiate their claim directly
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GETTYClaiming through the app proves considerably faster than waiting for HMRC to dispatch payment by post, with refunds transferred straight into bank accounts.
The paperless approach also benefits the environment by reducing postal correspondence.
Users can opt to go paperless through the app settings, which will then notify them automatically about future refunds.
The application is available for download from Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for Apple products.
He also questioned Treasury estimates that the measure could raise £2billion
Eligible Britons should have received a tax calculation letter a few months ago
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To sign in for the first time, users need to enter their Government Gateway user ID and password. Those without existing credentials can create them directly through the app.
After initial setup, subsequent access becomes simpler through a six-digit PIN, fingerprint recognition, or facial recognition on any device.
Beyond refund claims, the app enables users to check their tax code, National Insurance number, employment history spanning five years, and track correspondence sent to HMRC.