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

Links in text messages

From January 2023 HMRC doesmight send you a text messagesmessage toif someyou call one of our customers.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 — you will get it either immediately or shortly after the call.

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

You will not be asked to HMRCinput webchat.any information.

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

WeDo advise you not to 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.

ToYou help fight phishing scams, you should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.

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 house building
• tax credit renewal
• Child Benefit

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

Self Assessment tax check

HMRC may contact you to tell you how to find information about making a voluntary disclosure.

These messages do not:

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

Survey after a call to HMRC or a compliance check

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

• 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.