More than half (56%) of people say they were not ready for life's key financial milestones, while one in four admit they lack basic money knowledge and feel too embarrassed to ask for help, according to new research.

An HMRC survey into customers' online habits found most respondents wished they had learned about big financial moments earlier in life. One in five people now turn to the HMRC app when they want to understand money and tax matters.

From starting or changing jobs to applying for a mortgage, claiming Child Benefit or planning for retirement, the HMRC app supports the big money moments. More than 3 million people used the app in July alone, accessing their tax code, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) details, employment history, Self Assessment record, Child Benefit information and State Pension forecast, alongside budgeting and saving tips.

Users can also view their National Insurance number and save it to a digital wallet so it's on hand when needed.

Clear pop-up explainers sit within each service, offering straightforward guidance to help users build their basic tax knowledge.

The HMRC app can be downloaded via GOV.UK or from the App Store and Google Play.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said: "Whatever your stage in life, downloading the HMRC app means you can face financial moments confidently and be fully informed about your tax and money matters." HMRC surveyed 5,206 consumers between 27 February and 12 March 2026. Nearly half said they wished they had learned about savings and investing earlier; more than a quarter wished they had learned about getting a mortgage sooner; and a third wished they had learned about pensions earlier in life, with 10% admitting they have never checked their State Pension forecast.

The app shows PAYE income for the previous five tax years and Self Assessment records, which can help with regular saving or budgeting and with mortgage applications. Customers can also check their State Pension summary in the app.

On tax basics, 25% said they have used the app to check their personal tax details and income information. However, 14% have no idea whether they are on the right tax code, 16% check their code when facing a financial milestone, and 29% have never checked their tax code at all.

When changing jobs, almost half of those surveyed said they only understood how tax would be deducted from their salary when they started their first role and saw their first payslip. More than 40% have used the app to access their tax code, National Insurance, income and employment history — the essential details needed when starting work — and 40% said using digital tools, including apps, made job transitions easier.

HMRC's Tax Confident website provides clear, simple resources to help people understand money basics, including how tax works and how to pay tax on income.

Online reviews currently rate the HMRC app at 4.8 stars on the App Store and 4.6 stars on Google Play. Follow HMRC's Press Office on X @HMRCpressoffice.