HMRC has begun sending text messages to some customers who have put in a claim for tax credits.
The texts will be sent to acknowledge receipt of their claims.
This is part of a pilot that will run for a a few days according to a Revenue spokesman.
“HMRC is carrying out a short trial to test whether it is helpful for new tax credit customers to receive a text messages confirming receipt of a new tax credit new claim. No customer data will be included and the results will be evaluated before any further decisions are taken," he added.
HMRC made the announcement on its website earlier today, and added that it already uses SMS in a number of areas and has done so for some time. AccountingWEB members have reported the use of SMSs from HMRC on Any Answers.
The Revenue has been exploring new ways of communicating electronically with customers and tax advisers. It outlined plans to reach self assessment users via email and social media in a consultation document last December.
But it also advises those receiving electronic communication from the organisation to be careful when verifying that it is legitimate. In recent months during the self assessment filing window, the Revenue has been the target of phishing scams and scammers attempting to file fraudulent returns.
“We appreciate you need to be able to confirm that any electronic contact you received from us is genuine," it writes on its dedicated electronic communications page on its website, and provides a breakdown of emails and texts it sends to users.
It also reiterated that it wont ever send notifications of a tax rebate or ask you to disclose personal information or payment info via email or SMS.
HMRC also never sends zip files - if in doubt, never open an email attachment.