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

Branded messages

HMRC may send branded text messages to some of our customers. These will look different to our standard text messages.

These branded messages will:

• show HM Revenue and Customs as the sender
• include the HMRC logo
• contain the verified sender’s information

You should also read our guidance on how to identify suspicious contact.

If your device is not compatible to receive a Rich Communication Services (RCS) message the branded message will appear as a standard text message.

Links in text messages

HMRC does send text messages to some of our customers.

In the text message we might include a link to GOV.UK information or to HMRC webchat.

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

We 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.

To 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.

Child Benefit

HMRC may contact you by text message to confirm:

• we have received your Child Benefit claim
• we have received your request to extend your Child Benefit claim
• you have successfully opted into or out of Child Benefit payments
• a change to your account
• a claim has been successful

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

Corporation Tax — follow up to your Corporation Tax helpline call

HMRC may send you a text message if you have called the Corporation Tax helpline and we have your mobile phone number stored. The message will:

• give a summary of what was discussed during the call
• confirm your query is being processed
• give an expected timescale

We’ll contact you if we need any more information, you do not need to contact us again.

Debt Recovery

HMRC may send you a text message to tell you:

• that we have not got your payment and we’d like to help you avoid any further penalties or interest
• to call us about a credit on your account
• that we’ve asked your bank or building society to hold some money in your business account

Fast parcel operator drivers — interview reminder

HMRC may send you a text message to:

• confirm that a letter was sent to you about an interview
• remind you to book a telephone appointment

The text message will not:

• ask for personal or financial information
• link directly to any websites

International debt customers

HMRC may send you a text message if we have not received your payment.

The message will ask you to:

• check your online account to see what you owe

• make any overdue payments to avoid interest

• search for ‘non-resident payment enquiries’ on GOV.UK

PAYE Settlement Agreement

HMRC may send you a text message if you have called the PAYE Settlement Agreement Employer helpline to:

• summarise what you discussed in the call
• confirm that your query is being processed 
• give you an expected timescale

We’ll contact you if we need any further information, you do not need to contact us again.

PAYE or Self Assessment complaints

HMRC may send you a text message if you have made a complaint about PAYE or Self Assessment to:

• tell you that your complaint is being reviewed
• tell you that someone will call you the next day to discuss your complaint
• explain that when we call you our number may show as withheld

You do not need to contact us.

Retirement annuity relief

HMRC may send you a text message if we have written to you about a retirement annuity relief claim.

The text message will ask you to:

• review your retirement annuity relief claim
• check the contributions shown on your 2024 to 2025 tax return
• correct your tax return if any information is wrong

The text message will not:

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

Self Assessment penalty appeals

HMRC may send you a text message if you appeal against a Self Assessment penalty.

The text message will confirm:

• that your appeal has been reviewed
• when you can expect the outcome

These text messages will not:

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

Self Assessment tax refunds

HMRC may send you a text message if you request a Self Assessment tax refund.

The text message will confirm:

• that your tax refund is being processed
• when you can expect to get it

The text message will not:

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

Self Assessment tax overdue

The text message will:

• tell you your Self Assessment is overdue
• tell you to check your online account
• direct you to GOV.UK

The text message will not:

• ask you for personal or financial information
• provide 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 refund — P800

HMRC may send you a text message saying you’re due a tax refund (also known as a P800 refund) if they’ve sent a letter and have not had a response.

It will not:

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

Find out how to claim your refund.

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