HMRC has warned people to only share their National Insurance number in certain circumstances
The HMRC told people to ‘share it only when it’s required’(Image: Getty)
Anyone holding a National Insurance number has been issued an alert from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). In a recent message, HMRC has emphasised the importance of only sharing it under specific circumstances.
This vital identifier could be misused for identity theft and fraudulent purposes, including fake benefit claims or obtaining loans without permission. Via social media platform X, HMRC cautioned: “Keep your National Insurance number handy.
“Download the HMRC app and access it whenever you need and save it to your digital wallet on your phone. Remember to share it only when it’s required.”
Your National Insurance number is allocated before you reach 16 and remains with you for life. It guarantees your National Insurance contributions and tax records are correctly assigned to you alone.
The identifier comprises two letters, six numbers and a final letter – for example, QQ123456B. Your National Insurance number features on tax documentation such as payslips or your P60.
You can also request written verification containing it and find your National Insurance number online. Those who have never possessed one can apply for a National Insurance number.
The Government website advises using 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 records spanning the previous five years
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment purposes
- Self Assessment tax details and outstanding amounts
- Child Benefit information
- State Pension projections
- National Insurance contribution shortfalls
How to use the app
The application is available for download via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Upon installation, open the app and input your Government Gateway user ID and password for your initial login.
If you don’t have a user ID, one can be generated through the app itself. You can then access the app by signing in using either:
- A six-digit PIN
- Your fingerprint
- Facial recognition
For those without a UK address or uncertain of their National Insurance number, guidance on locating a lost National Insurance number can be found here.
Protecting your NI number
GOV.UK cautions: “To prevent identity fraud, do not share your National Insurance number with anyone who does not need it.”
The following organisations may require your number:
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- Your employer
- The Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus and the Pension, Disability and Carers Service), for state benefits claimants, or in Northern Ireland, the Department for Social Development
- Your local authority, for Housing Benefit claims, or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive
- Electoral Registration Officers (for identity confirmation during voter registration)
- The Student Loans Company, should you be applying for a student loan
- Your pension provider, if you possess a personal or stakeholder pension
- Your Individual Savings Account (ISA) provider, in case you’re initiating an ISA
- Authorised financial service providers who aid in the purchase and sale of investments such as shares, bonds and derivatives – you can confirm if your provider is authorised
- Veterans UK
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