Scams 5 October 2026 · Text messages
Text messages: HMRC added overdue Self Assessment texts (5 to 9 October 2026) and VAT registration texts (from 5 October 2026) to its list of genuine text messages.
HMRC updated its list of genuine text messages on 5 October 2026. It now lists a Self Assessment overdue text from 5 October up to and including 9 October 2026, and VAT registration application texts from 5 October 2026. HMRC says it will never ask for personal or financial information when it sends text messages.
HMRC's stated dates for this contact started on 5 October 2026; no end date given.
Last reviewed 10 October 2026 · How Tax Letters checks its facts
- Who gets it
- People HMRC texts about an overdue Self Assessment or a VAT registration application.
- How it arrives
- By text message.
- HMRC's dates
- Self Assessment overdue: from 5 October 2026 up to and including 9 October 2026, a window that has ended. VAT registration updates: from 5 October 2026, with no end date given.
- Clock fixed by law?
- No. HMRC's list gives no reply-by date for these texts.
What it asks
The overdue text tells you your Self Assessment is overdue and to check your online account. The VAT registration text may confirm that your query is being processed, ask you to reply to HMRC's email or postal contact, or update you on your application. HMRC says neither asks for personal or financial information.
What to check
- Check the sender and the date against HMRC's entry.
- Compare what it asks: HMRC says it never asks for personal or financial information by text.
- If everything matches, it is the contact HMRC lists. If not, HMRC's page says where to report it.
Does it match HMRC's description?
A text matches HMRC's description if it is dated inside the dates above and asks only what HMRC says it asks. A text that asks for personal or financial information, a payment or card details does not match HMRC's description of its texts.
HMRC's own words
From 5 October 2026 up to and including 9 October 2026, HMRC may contact you by text message. The text message will: tell you your Self Assessment is overdue tell you to check your online account direct you to GOV.UK The text message will not: ask you for personal or financial information provide any links to websites
GOV.UK: Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine, read 10 October 2026From 5 October 2026 HMRC may contact you by text message. HMRC may contact you about your VAT Registration. The text message may: confirm that your query is being processed ask you to reply to our email or postal contact give you an update on your application’s progress The text message will not: ask for personal or financial information link directly to any websites
GOV.UK: Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine, read 10 October 2026HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when we send text messages.
GOV.UK: Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine, read 10 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine, read 10 October 2026
Checked against the sources above on the dates shown. Information, not advice.