Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine

Links in text messages

From January 2023 HMRC might send you a text message if you call one of our helplines from a mobile phone.

On the call, we will tell you to expect a text message or confirm that we have sent you one — youit will getbe it either immediately or shortly after theour call.

In the text message we might send you a link to relevant GOV.UK information or webchat.

You will not be asked to input any information.

HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when we send text messages.

Do not open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details.

You should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.

Commercial drivers

HMRC will send a text message to customers who may have undeclared income from driving paying passengers. This is to remind you to:

• notify HMRC of this income
• make a voluntary disclosure

This text message will not:

• ask for personal or financial information
• provide any links to websites

Confirmation and update text messages

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm that we have received from you:

• a claim
• a form
• other correspondence

The current confirmation text messages being issued are:

• complaints acknowledgements
• VAT DIY houseHouse building
• taxChild creditBenefit

HMRC renewalappointment reminders

HMRC may send you a text message to remind you of an upcoming telephone, Teams or face to face appointment you’ve booked.

This text message will not:

• ask for personal or financial information
• Childinclude Benefitany links to websites

Online sales

HMRC will contact customers by text message who may have undeclared income from online sales. This is to remind you to:

• notify HMRC of this income
• make a voluntary disclosure

These messages do not:

• ask for personal or financial information
• include any links to websites

SelfNational AssessmentMinimum taxWage checkincreases

Self Assessment, VAT, PAYE and Corporation Tax customers

HMRC may contactsend youa text message to tellcustomers youwho howhave todebts findor informationoutstanding aboutreturns makingto:

• request apayment
• request voluntaryoverdue disclosure.returns
• update their personal or business address

HMRC may also remind you of payment or return submission deadlines becoming due.

TheseThis messagestext domessage not:will either:

• askdirect foryou personalto orthe financialGOV.UK informationwebsite
• includeask anyyou linksto contact HMRC by phone to websitesmake payment or update your address

Text messages will not include or ask for any personal or financial information.

Survey after a call to HMRC or a compliance check

HMRC may send you an exit survey by text message if you have:you’ve:

• agreed to provide feedback after calling one of our contact centres
• gone through a compliance check

This text message will not:

• ask for personal or financial information
• include any phone numbers
• provide links to websites other than to the survey platform

Tax credits

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm and remind you about tax credit claim interview appointments.

We might also contact you by text message to ask you to call the Tax Credit Helpline to discuss your claim.

These text messages will not:

• ask for personal or financial information
• provide any links to websites

Other texts you should check

You can also check text messages listed in HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method.