Research and analysis

About the HMRC Datalab

Updated 15 November 2024

Introduction

The Datalab facility is part of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) support for the National Data Strategy, which aims to use data securely, to drive innovation and productivity across the UK, enhancing the delivery of public services to improve people’s lives.

The facility allows suitable applicants to suggest innovative and practical research projects to HMRC on a voluntary basis, which, if approved, aims to produce a high-quality final report for use by HMRC, the researcher community and the public.

HMRC benefits by contracting with applicant institutions and their researchers to act on behalf of HMRC Datalab in producing analysis that supports HMRC’s functions. The research must be conducted in accordance with HMRC’s requirements, and the final research findings must be suitable for publishing in a reputable impartial publication or for use by Government Departments.

Datalab projects are not commissioned by HMRC.

Data protection policies and standards

The Datalab follows HMRC’s strict data protection policies. There are restrictions on working practices to safeguard taxpayer and other persons confidentiality. To become an ‘approved researcher’, institutions have to submit a proposal and complete a short training course. Researchers can also be subject to vetting by HMRC.

The Datalab is governed by the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act (CRCA) 2005, which dictates who HMRC can allow to access their data and for what reasons.

Research proposals for the Datalab must serve one of HMRC’s functions under the CRCA 2005, and be compliant with other HMRC obligations such as the Civil Service Code, or the Public Sector Equality Duty. See Confidentiality and Disclosure for the purposes of HMRC’s functions for further information.

Organisations who can apply to use the Datalab

Access to the Datalab is open to researchers from a UK government department, UK regulatory public body or UK academic institution.

HMRC also considers applications from UK not for profit organisations, such as independent and impartial research bodies. From April 2018, we will accept applications from commercial research groups, but only when commissioned by a government department.

International researchers may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, but will generally need to be suitably contracted and insured by, employed by, or studying at one of the above organisations.

Applying to use the HMRC Datalab

To apply to use the HMRC Datalab:

1. download and complete the Datalab project proposal form

2. email the form to: HMRC Datalab

It’s important that your proposal shows how your research will be:

• beneficial for HMRC
• improved using HMRC data rather than other available sources

The Datalab Team will then advise you on your project, and may request more detailed information.

Proposals are then evaluated against these criteria:

• contribution to net benefit of HMRC functions
• benefits to each HMRC team needed to provide resource for the project
• long-term benefit to HMRC
• research design and likely impact of the research
• feasibility of the research
• cost effectiveness and auditability of the project

HMRC is more likely to support projects that are relevant to contemporary research questions. HMRC can agree projects in full or in part, prior to contracting.

All research in the HMRC Datalab must be independent and compliant with any relevant codes of practice, with the results intended for publication or for use by other government departments.

It may be useful to see this list of approved research proposals to help you with your submission, but please note that topics of interest and permissions with other parties can vary over time.

These are topics currently of interest to HMRC which we would like to see explored in the HMRC Datalab:

• HMRC’s strategic objectives and policies
• Improve HMRC collaboration with other government departments (subject to all party agreement) and other regulatory public bodies.

Application submission deadlines

Applications are usually assessed several times a year.

Closing date for proposal submissions: 5pm on 7 March 2025

Please note that future dates may be subject to change and amendments will be published on this page, so please check regularly if you are planning on submitting a proposal to be considered.

Data availability

HMRC Datalab holds HMRC administrative data across a range of tax regimes. Please note that due to retention policies in place, some historic data may no longer be available.

Please email the Datalab inbox if you have any specific questions about data availability.

Using and matching your own data

You will need to describe the data you would like to bring and the HMRC Datalab Team will consider each dataset on a case by case basis. Any permission to use external data from the original data owners will be required and HMRC Datalab will not be responsible for getting this.

Key identifiers will need to be removed from HMRC Datalab datasets as part of the de-identification process so any matching will have to be undertaken by HMRC.

Software available in HMRC Datalab

Researchers have the option to use standard pieces of software in HMRC Datalab including R/R Studio, SAS and the document preparation system, LaTeX. Researchers may be able to request specific software if they require this. The HMRC Datalab team will look into each request to see if this can be made available.

Contact the HMRC Datalab

If you have any questions about the Datalab please contact us.

Email: HMRC Datalab

HMRC Datalab
Room 11.25
14 Westfield Avenue
Stratford
London
E20 1HZ