Introduction
Digital engagement with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reached new highs in 2025, as a record number of individuals used the official HMRC app to manage their tax affairs.
Data for the year, covering January to November 2025, shows a marked increase in app downloads and user logins, with substantial growth among older and retired users.
This trend follows HMRC’s commitment to making tax management more accessible and user-friendly through digital channels, aligning with its broader digital transformation strategy.
Increasing adoption of digital tax management
App downloads in 2025 have exceeded 4.2 million, according to verified HMRC data. Over 7.18 million individuals accessed the HMRC app this year, compared to 5.09 million the previous year, representing a significant increase in digital tax management uptake.
The app registered 136 million logins in 2025, a 20% rise on 2024, illustrating heightened public confidence in managing tax affairs online.
Growth in pension and family benefit queries
Older and retired users now make up the fastest-growing segment of app engagement. There was a notable jump in State Pension forecast checks, with 2.38 million app users reviewing their forecast in 2025, an increase of nearly 664,000 from the previous year.
Families also made greater use of digital services for Child Benefit, with almost 960,000 accessing the relevant section, an increase of 160,000 from 2024. The number of parents extending Child Benefit for teenagers in education rose to 159,000, up from 109,000.
National Insurance features remain popular
The app’s ability to store National Insurance numbers in a digital wallet has proved particularly popular. In 2025, 383,000 users used this feature, which is 70,000 higher than the previous year.
This function addresses a common administrative challenge and supports users in accessing their tax information quickly and securely.
HMRC’s drive towards digital transformation
HMRC’s increased app usage aligns with its long-term Transformation Roadmap, which aims to enable more customers to self-serve for straightforward tax matters.
Myrtle Lloyd, Chief Customer Officer at HMRC, said, “The HMRC app has become one of the quickest and easiest ways to check your tax affairs and we’ve seen even more customers embrace it this year. If you choose to use the app you can access the information you need straight through your phone.”
User experience and new features
The HMRC app enables users to check their tax code, access their National Insurance number, review income and employment histories, and manage Child Benefit or State Pension forecasts.
Users can also make tax payments, set payment reminders, track correspondence, and access guidance through a digital assistant. Recent enhancements have further streamlined these processes for different age groups and user needs.
Final Summary
The sharp increase in HMRC app usage during 2025 marks a significant shift towards digital tax management in the UK. Older users, families, and individuals managing National Insurance matters are driving much of this growth.
HMRC remains focused on improving its digital offerings to ensure quick, secure, and accessible tax services. As digital transformation continues, individuals seeking to track tax changes and benefits may explore convenient solutions, including tools provided by the Pie app, to stay informed.
