The Government is today launching a new tax calculator enabling people to work out how much tax they pay and how the Government spends it. The tax calculator can be downloaded as a free mobile phone app and is also available on the HMRC website.
The launch comes as new research reveals that over half of taxpayers (57%) do not know how much income tax and National Insurance they pay in a year, suggesting that many people find the personal tax system remote and confusing. The new calculator uses online technology, makes it easy for taxpayers to see how much they can expect to pay and is an important step towards achieving the Government's vision of making the system more transparent, open, and easier to understand.
The research published today was carried out as part of the Government's consultation on ways in which people could more easily access information on their personal taxes. It found that although 70% of those who receive bank statements said that they always check their transactions, just 26% of taxpayers are as thorough in checking how much tax they have paid, and only 10% would be able to put an exact figure on it, if asked.
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:
"We think it is right that people know how much tax they pay and what the Government spends it on. At the moment, over half of taxpayers do not know how much income tax and National Insurance they pay in a year. Our new tax calculator will allow them to find out, which is a big step towards a more transparent, 21st century system."
The calculator can be found on the HMRC website (opens in new browser window)
The mobile phone app can be downloaded from Apple iTunes or Google Play.