HMRC to raid bank accounts for unpaid tax
HMRC is restarting the use of direct debt recovery for individuals and businesses who choose not to pay the tax they owe despite having the means to do so. Who’s in the firing line?
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Government unveils business rates cuts and late licensing boost for pubs
Pubs will see their business rates cut and licensing rules relaxed under a new support package aimed at reviving high streets and protecting local community hubs. What’s changing and what does it mean for the trade?
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Is it really the end of tax relief for homeworking?
In her 2025 Budget the Chancellor announced the end of tax deductions for “non-reimbursed homeworking expenses”. How might the loss of the deduction affect you and is there an alternative tax relief you can take advantage of?
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HMRC threatens bogus penalties
Correspondence from HMRC suggests there's a penalty if you don't pay your self-assessment tax bill by Saturday, 31 January. This isn't strictly true, but what are your options if you can't pay on time?
Direct debt recovery (DRD) is nothing new, though its use was paused during the pandemic. It is now being relaunched to recover debts over £1,000, subject to various safeguarding rules. For example, it can only be used where the debtor has received a face-to-face visit from HMRC agents (having ignored previous correspondence), has not been identified as vulnerable, has sufficient money in the bank and still refuses to pay their debts.
Given the strict criteria it is expected that HMRC will use these powers sparingly, as it did prior to the pandemic. If you’re struggling to pay your tax bill, contact HMRC as soon as possible to ask about setting up a payment plan.
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