The government has introduced GOV.UK Chat, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot designed to help users find information more quickly. It allows people to ask questions in plain language and receive instant answers based on official GOV.UK guidance.

The chatbot can answer a range of tax-related questions, including: 

  • Understanding Income Tax
    • Calculating Stamp Duty
    • Planning for retirement and the State Pension

Since its soft launch in March 2026, thousands of users have already used the tool, with tax queries proving especially popular.

Caution is needed when using GOV.UK Chat – while it is useful, it has limits. It is important to understand that: 

  • It only uses published GOV.UK guidance
    • It does not access HMRC manuals or deeper technical sources
    • It is mainly suited to basic queries

This means it may not be reliable for more complex tax situations.

As with any AI tool, accuracy is not guaranteed. Responses can be incomplete or occasionally incorrect. These “hallucinations” can present wrong information as fact.

Treat GOV.UK Chat as a starting point, not a final answer. To reduce risk:

  • Use it to locate guidance, not replace advice
    • Read the full response, including caveats
    • Make sure your question includes all relevant details

GOV.UK Chat may be helpful for quick answers but it is not a substitute for professional advice. If you are unsure, always check with us before acting.