I blogged a while back now about checking your own Personal Tax Account (PTA) that is now fully accessible under the HMRC Making Tax Digital programme. It was launched way back in 2015. It takes about 5 minutes to access it, you need to set up your account, answer security questions which do involve searching for your NI number and passport and then making sure you have your mobile to hand to accept an authorisation code (Mr Ford failed this test when he accessed his as his phone had run out of charge!). Then you’re in and can check what records HMRC are holding in your name.
An important feature to access is the ability to check if your NIC record is up to date and you will be able to obtain a projection of what your state pension will be in the future.
If receipt of your State pension is important to you then it’s important to check that the records held are accurate. You are able to go back and pay arrears to fill any gaps but this is generally limited to six years. HMRC used to issue deficiency notices and we often had clients querying this with us but this seems to have stopped making it more important than ever for you to go on and check this for yourself.
To have a look at your account, follow this link https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account
Have fun!