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Published on 9 January 2025

Changes to HMRC text messages

Announcements

HMRC have made changes to some of the text messages they send out to taxpayers to help you recognise them as genuine. 

a person holding a smartphone
Canva.com

HMRC sometimes send text messages to taxpayers. You can check whether a text message you have received from HMRC is genuine on the GOV.UK website.

HMRC have changed the look of some text messages they send including for self assessment and child benefit. These new messages are called branded messages.

HMRC say that branded messages, or Rich Communication Service (RCS) messages, show HM Revenue and Customs as the sender, include the HMRC logo and contain verified senders information. If you do not have a compatible device, the message will appear as a standard message. 

Although branded text messages are more secure, HMRC say you should still be vigilant to identify tax scam phone calls, emails and text messages. Guidance is available on GOV.UK.

Image of a mobile phone showing an example branded text message from HMRC. It shows HMRC Revenue and Customs as the sender, shows the HMRC crown logo at the top, has some text explaining who HMRC are and what they do under the logo. There is also a branded logo next to the text message text.
HMRC

Victoria Todd
Head of LITRG

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