HMRC issues warning to all UK workers with National Insurance number | Personal Finance | Finance

Brits possessing a National Insurance number have been issued with an urgent warning from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). In an announcement, HMRC has emphasised the importance to “keep it safe”.

This vital number could potentially be misused for identity fraud and criminal schemes, such as illegitimate benefit claims or obtaining unauthorised loans. Via social media platform X, HMRC cautioned: “Need your National Insurance number for your new job?

“Remember to keep it safe and only share it when you need to. Download the HMRC app today.”

Your National Insurance number is allocated shortly before your 16th birthday and remains yours for life. It guarantees that your National Insurance payments and taxation records are correctly linked to you exclusively.

The number comprises two letters, six numerals and a final letter – such as QQ123456B. Your National Insurance number can be found on tax documentation like your wage slip or P60.

You may also request correspondence containing it and find your National Insurance number electronically.

People who have never held one may apply for a National Insurance number. The Government website suggests utilising the HMRC mobile application to confirm your National Insurance number.

GOV.UK explains: “The HMRC app is a quick and easy way to get information about your tax, National Insurance and benefits.”

You can also use it to check your:

• Tax code
• Income and benefits
• Employment and income history from the past five years
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment
• Self-Assessment tax and how much you owe
• Child Benefit
• State Pension forecast
• Gaps in National Insurance contributions

How to use the app

The app can be downloaded from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once downloaded, launch the app and enter your Government Gateway user ID and password to log in for the first time.

If you don’t have a user ID, you can create one through the app. After this, you’ll be able to access the app quickly and easily by logging in using either:

• A six-digit PIN
• Your fingerprint
• Facial recognition

If you don’t have a UK address and don’t know your National Insurance number, follow the instructions to find a lost National Insurance number here.

Safeguarding your NI number

GOV.UK advises: “To prevent identity fraud, do not share your National Insurance number with anyone who does not need it.”

These organisations may need to know your number:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Your employer
• The Department for Work and Pensions (which encompasses Jobcentre Plus and the Pension, Disability and Carers Service), if you’re a state benefits claimant, or in Northern Ireland the Department for Social Development
• Your local council, if you’re claiming Housing Benefit, or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive
• Electoral Registration Officers (for identity verification when registering to vote)
• The Student Loans Company, if you’re applying for a student loan
• Your pension provider if you have a personal or stakeholder pension
• Your Individual Savings Account (ISA) provider, if you’re opening an ISA
• Authorised financial service providers who assist in buying and selling investments like shares, bonds and derivatives – you can verify if your provider is authorised
• Veterans UK