You may already be familiar with the official HMRC app - a secure, user-friendly tool for managing your personal tax affairs on the go. As millions of people across the UK use it to check their tax code, pay their Self-Assessment bill, or claim Child Benefit, HMRC is not standing still. The department has a bold vision for a "digital-first" future, and the app is at the heart of this transformation.

To get started with the app, you can use our Step by Step HMRC App guide.

In this post, we'll dive into what's coming next for the HMRC app and clarify the landscape of other government apps, like the new GOV.UK Wallet.

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The HMRC App: What’s on the Horizon?

HMRC's "Transformation Roadmap" sets out a clear plan to make the UK tax system one of the most digitally advanced in the world by 2030. This means the app will become even more powerful, moving beyond a simple viewing tool to a comprehensive platform for managing your tax life.

Here's what you can expect to see added to the app in the next few years:

• A New PAYE Service: For the millions of people who pay tax through their employer, a new online service is being introduced. This will be fully integrated into the app, giving you direct access and control over your tax position. You'll be able to easily check and update your income, allowances, reliefs, and expenses, all from your phone.
• Easier Expense Claims: The app will be enhanced to allow employees to submit tax relief claims for a range of allowable expenses, such as work travel or professional fees. You'll even be able to upload supporting evidence directly through the app, making the process faster and more transparent.
• Streamlined Self-Assessment: The process for Self-Assessment will be improved. HMRC is working to make it easier to register and, crucially, to "opt out" for those who no longer need to file a tax return. In the future, you'll also see more communication and tracking features, so you can follow the progress of appeals or queries directly within the app.
• AI-Powered Assistance: HMRC is investing in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve customer service. This means the digital assistant within the app will become smarter and more capable of helping you find answers to your tax questions 24/7, reducing the need for you to call a helpline.
• Paperless Communication: The move to a digital-first approach means less paper. The app will be a key channel for receiving official HMRC correspondence, such as letters and reminders, helping you keep everything organised in one place.

What About Other HMRC Apps?

While the main HMRC app is the flagship product for most taxpayers, HMRC has also offered other, more specialized apps in the past, such as the HMRC Tax Calculator. However, the current strategy is to consolidate functionality into one main app to avoid confusion and provide a unified user experience.

The most important distinction to make is between the HMRC app and other government apps. For example, you may have heard about a digital driving license. This is not being added to the HMRC app. Instead, it will be part of a new, separate app called the GOV.UK Wallet that will be released late in 2025.

The GOV.UK Wallet is the government’s future home for all your official digital identity documents, such as your driving license and veteran’s card. This is part of a wider initiative called “GOV.UK One Login,” which will create a single sign-in system for all government services. This means you will use the same login details for the HMRC app as you do for the GOV.UK Wallet, but they will remain two distinct apps for different purposes.

Other Apps from Government: The GOV.UK ID Check App

While the main HMRC app is the flagship product for most taxpayers, HMRC is also part of a wider government initiative to simplify and secure digital services. This is where the GOV.UK ID Check app comes in.

It's important to understand that this is a separate app from the main HMRC app, with a very specific purpose. The GOV.UK ID Check app is a secure way for you to confirm your identity when you sign in to a government service using the new GOV.UK One Login system. It helps to verify you are who you say you are by matching your face to your photo ID.

How does it work?

When a service (like your HMRC online account or Companies House) asks you to prove your identity, the GOV.UK ID Check app will ask you to:

1. Scan your photo ID: You'll be prompted to take a photo of a valid document, such as a UK driving licence or a passport with a biometric chip.
2. Scan your face: The app will use your phone's camera to scan your face and match it to the photo on your ID. This provides a high level of security without storing your personal information on your phone.

This process is a key part of the government's strategy to move away from outdated identity checks and create a secure, reusable digital identity for every citizen. While you'll be using the same GOV.UK One Login details to access both the HMRC app and the GOV.UK ID Check app, they are separate tools for different jobs.

Our Takeaway

HMRC's digital transformation is set to bring significant benefits to both individuals and businesses. The app will become a powerful tool for managing your tax affairs with greater ease and transparency. However, it's important to remember that these digital tools are designed to complement, not replace, expert advice. We are here to help you navigate complex tax matters and ensure you are taking advantage of all available reliefs and allowances. The app is a great first step toward staying on top of your taxes, but we remain your trusted partner in managing your financial and tax obligations.

Additional Reading

Please see our other articles in the series,‍

Unlock the Power of the HMRC App‍

Step-by-Step Guide to the HMRC App

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