Is this HMRC text genuine?

You're right to be suspicious- there are a lot of scam emails and text messages out there- particularly claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a communication, do not give out private information (such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments or click on any links in emails.

Instead, forward suspicious:

• text messages to 60599 (text messages will be charged at your network rate)
• emails to HMRC’s phishing team [email protected]

You should also check HMRC’s guidance on recognising scams if you’re not sure.

Please note, HMRC will never use texts or emails to:

• tell you about a tax rebate or penalty
• ask for personal or payment information

HMRC emails will never provide a link to a secure log-in page or a form asking for information. Instead you’ll be asked to log on to your online account to check for information.

However, you should be aware that HMRC has recently been sending out email and text reminders to taxpayers, advising them to pay their tax before 31^st January 2017. The texts and emails do not provide any details though- they are simply a prompt.

If you have tax to pay, you can find out about the different payment methods on HMRC’s website here:

https://www.gov.uk/pay-self-assessment-tax-bill

If you have yet to complete your tax return, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your local TaxAssist Accountant would be happy to help. 

Date published 5 Jan 2017

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.