# IRS vs HMRC

The clearest difference is review sentiment: HMRC at 47% against IRS's 25%. HMRC also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). IRS's advantage is chart position (#82 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

IRS ships an update every 4 months, HMRC monthly. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | IRS | HMRC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (583 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hmrc/id514561561/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **583** |
| Positive reviews | 24.6% of reviews | **47.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#82** | — |
| Size | 25 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Internal Revenue Service](https://appshunter.io/developer/414113285) | [HMRC](https://appshunter.io/developer/514561564) |

## What reviewers say

### IRS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irs/id414113282)

**Currently charting:** #82 Top Free · Finance (US App Store)

Access official IRS services on your mobile device. Check refund status, make payments, find tax preparation help, and receive tax tips and news. Stay connected with the IRS anytime, anywhere.

**Highlights:** Check refund status, Make tax payments, Find free tax preparation assistance, Sign up for tax tips, Follow IRS news

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 💰 Helps with tax payments
- 🔍 Provides refund status updates
- ⏱️ Convenient for checking tax info

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent errors and glitches
- 📱 Limited functionality compared to website
- 🔒 Security/authentication issues
- 🕰️ Slow/delayed updates

**Reported bugs**

- Login/authentication problems
- Incorrect refund information displayed
- Inability to check status after multiple attempts
- Lack of compatibility with older devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to view tax transcripts
- Improved payment scheduling options
- Notifications for refund status changes
- Expanded historical data access


### HMRC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hmrc/id514561561)

Manage your taxes, benefits, and savings securely and easily. Check your tax code, claim refunds, and track your State Pension. Access Self Assessment and Child Benefit information, and find your National Insurance number.

**Highlights:** Quick secure sign-in, Check tax code and pay, Claim tax refunds, View State Pension details, Self Assessment payments, Manage Child Benefit, Find National Insurance number

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Straightforward payment process
- 💡 Useful information and updates
- 🔒 Secure authentication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent login issues and app crashes
- 🤔 Confusing navigation and UI
- ⚠️ Lack of communication about tax changes
- 🕰️ Slow and unresponsive app

**Reported bugs**

- Endless login loops and redirects
- App freezing and becoming unresponsive
- Inconsistent behavior after app updates
- Issues with Face ID and biometric authentication

**Requested features**

- Improved notification system for tax updates
- Ability to view and manage tax details in-app
- Better integration with banking apps for payments
- More user-friendly design and navigation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IRS free?

IRS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is HMRC free?

HMRC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do IRS or HMRC have ads?

Neither IRS nor HMRC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, IRS or HMRC?

IRS ships an update every 4 months, and HMRC monthly. Most recently, IRS was updated on September 26, 2026 and HMRC on September 26, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*