This week we bring you news about recent bulletins published by HMRC and the tax checks that are needed to renew certain licenses have recently been extended to Northern Ireland. Also featured are key reminders from HMRC about phishing scams, and a reminder to tell HMRC that your personal and business circumstances have changed. An email reminder has also been issued about alcohol duty reform and the various new reliefs which may be available. Earlier this month, the Chancellor announced an increase to the National Living Wage which will take effect from April 2024.
The most recent Agent update: issue 113 was recently published last week. Get the latest guidance and information including:-
The latest Employer Bulletin: October 2023 is also available providing employers and agents with up to date information on payroll topics. Featured in this bulletin are the following topics, amongst others:-
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reporting PAYE information in real time when payments are made early at Christmas;
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Overlap relief — preparing for the new tax year basis; and
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‘pay by bank account’ enhancements.
Extension of tax checks for licence renewals
The tax checks which have been in place in England since April 2022 and which are needed before renewing certain licences were recently extended to Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland the checks are required for licences to drive taxis and specifically for renewal applications made on or after 2 October 2023.
Licensing authorities must confirm that a tax check has been completed by applicants renewing or applying for certain licences.
In order to complete a tax check, an online form should be used which provides a code (which expires after 120 days) which should then be given to the licensing body to confirm the applicant’s status. It should be noted that this tax check is in addition to any checks that licensing authorities already undertake.
More information is available in the guidance.
HMRC has recently shared tax phishing scam guidance for students with universities on its social media channels. This is because many students are starting paid work, sometimes for the first time, they have not dealt with HMRC before, and are unfamiliar with paying tax or dealing with the tax authority. This makes them vulnerable to fake ‘tax rebate’ offers and similar scams.
A more general news release has also been published warning people about phishing scams associated with the Self-Assessment deadline.
Change in personal and business circumstances
HMRC have asked us to share the below reminder:-
“This is a reminder to keep your tax records up to date.
Tell HMRC if your circumstances change
HMRC requires you to tell us of any changes to your personal or business circumstances.
This is so your tax records remain up to date and we can make sure you get the right information about your tax affairs.
If your name, address or personal details have changed, you need to tell HMRC via gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/tell-hmrc-change-of-details You can also notify us, and check your details are correct, on the HMRC app by opening a personal tax account. Download the app today on iOS or Android.
You also need to tell us about certain income changes, relationship, or family changes, and if you are planning to leave the UK. For more information visit gov.uk
It is your responsibility to tell us; if you don’t you could still incur fines and penalties after your business has stopped trading.”
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