Making Tax Digital: HMRC App Use Surges in 2025

More people across the UK are choosing to manage their tax affairs digitally, with new figures showing continued growth in the use of the HMRC app throughout 2025. The latest data highlights a steady shift away from traditional methods, as millions turn to their smartphones to check tax details, manage benefits and keep essential records up to date.

This increase reflects changing expectations among taxpayers, many of whom now want quicker access to information and fewer delays when dealing with routine tax matters. Rather than seeing tax as something dealt with once a year, more people appear to be engaging with their tax position more regularly through digital tools.

HMRC App Use Rises Year-on-Year

In 2025, the HMRC app was downloaded more than 4.2 million times, pushing the total number of users to more than 7.18 million. This represents a sharp rise compared with the previous year, when just over 5 million people were actively using the app.

Engagement levels have also increased significantly. Across the year, users logged in more than 136 million times. This is a 20% increase on 2024. This suggests that the app is no longer being used occasionally but has become a regular point of contact for taxpayers managing their affairs.

For many, it is now the first place they go to check information, rather than contacting HMRC directly or relying on paper correspondence.

Older & Retired Users Lead Engagement Growth

One of the most striking trends in the data is the growing number of older and retired people using the app. State pension forecasts were viewed more than 2.38 million times in 2025, up from 1.72 million the year before. This represents an increase of nearly 664,000 users in just 12 months.

The rise suggests a shift in behaviour, with more people approaching retirement actively checking their entitlements and understanding their future income. Digital access to pension information appears to be giving users greater confidence and independence, allowing them to review their position without needing to wait for letters or speak to advisers.

Families & Working Households Making Greater Use of the App

Use of the app has also increased among families and working households, especially regarding Child Benefit. Nearly 960,000 people accessed this section of the app in 2025, around 160,000 more than the previous year.

A growing number of parents used the app to extend Child Benefit claims for teenagers remaining in education, while overall sessions in the Child Benefit section also rose sharply. This suggests that families are increasingly using the app not just to view information, but to manage ongoing claims and entitlements actively.

National Insurance & Everyday Tax Records Remain Popular

Access to National Insurance records continues to be one of the app’s most widely used features. During 2025, more than 383,000 people saved their National Insurance Number to a digital wallet. This is an increase of around 70,000 compared with 2024.

Having this information readily available can make everyday tasks easier, such as starting a new job, completing official forms or checking employment records. The popularity of this feature highlights how the app is increasingly being used as a practical tool for everyday life, rather than solely for tax filing.

Part of a Broader Digital Shift

The rise in the HMRC app’s use reflects the agency’s longer-term push towards digital self-service, aimed at simplifying straightforward tasks and improving accessibility. By allowing users to check tax codes, view income history, manage benefits and make payments through the app, HMRC is encouraging people to resolve simple matters quickly and independently.

The app also allows users to track forms and correspondence, update personal details and access digital support tools, reducing the need for phone calls or written communication. As more taxpayers become comfortable using these services, digital engagement is expected to continue increasing.

Conclusion

With the Self Assessment deadline just around the corner on 31 January 2026, further increases in app usage are likely as taxpayers seek faster, more convenient ways to stay compliant. For many, the app is becoming a central hub for managing tax responsibilities throughout the year, rather than something used only during filing season.

As digital tax services become more embedded in everyday life, the continued growth of the HMRC app suggests a lasting shift in how people interact with the tax system, offering greater visibility, control and reassurance for millions of taxpayers across the UK.