HMRC has advised people to follow some important guidance
Brits have received an alert from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to safeguard a critical number. The tax authority has cautioned people to protect their National Insurance number.
This essential code could be misused for identity theft and fraudulent schemes, including illegally claiming benefits or obtaining loans. On social media platform X, HMRC posted: “Need your National Insurance number for your new job?
“Remember to keep it safe and only share it when you need to. Download the HMRC app today.” You’re assigned a National Insurance number shortly before your 16th birthday, and it remains with you for life.
It guarantees your National Insurance contributions and tax records are correctly linked to you alone. The number comprises two letters, six digits and a final letter – for example, QQ123456B.
Your National Insurance number features on tax documents such as your payslip or P60. You can also request a letter with it and find your National Insurance number online.
Those who’ve never had one can apply for a National Insurance number. The Government website suggests using the HMRC smartphone app to confirm your National Insurance number.
GOV.UK explains: “The HMRC app is a quick and easy way to get information about your tax, National Insurance and benefits.”
You can also use it to check your:
- Tax code
- Income and benefits
- Employment and income history from the previous five years
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment
- Self Assessment tax and how much you owe
- Child Benefit
- State Pension forecast
- Gaps in National Insurance contributions
How to access the app
Download the app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Launch the app and enter your Government Gateway user ID and password to log in initially.
If you don’t have a user ID, you can create one through the app. You’ll then be able to access the app quickly by logging in using either:
- A six-digit PIN
- Your fingerprint
- Facial recognition
If you don’t have a UK address and are unaware of your National Insurance number, follow the guidance to locate a lost National Insurance number here.
GOV.UK states: “To prevent identity fraud, do not share your National Insurance number with anyone who does not need it.”
These organisations may need to know what your number is:
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- Your employer
- The Department for Work and Pensions (which includes Jobcentre Plus and the Pension, Disability and Carers Service), if you claim state benefits, or in Northern Ireland the Department for Social Development
- Your local council, if you claim Housing Benefit, or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive
- Electoral Registration Officers (to verify your identity when you register to vote)
- The Student Loans Company, if you apply for a student loan
- Your pension provider if you have a personal or stakeholder pension
- Your Individual Savings Account (ISA) provider, if you open an ISA
- Authorised financial service providers who assist you in buying and selling investments like shares, bonds and derivatives – you can check if your provider is authorised
- Veterans UK