HMRC has revealed that it had £42.8 billion in outstanding tax debt at the end of March 2025, equivalent to 5% of total tax receipts. The figures appear in its corporate report, The HMRC tax debt strategy – update.
The report also highlighted progress in recovering unpaid tax, with HMRC resolving
Mayors and local leaders in England are to be given powers to introduce an overnight visitor levy, creating a new charge for people staying in short-term visitor accommodation.
The government announced the plans on 10 September 2026 following a consultation which closed on 18 February 2026. The
HMRC is reviewing proposals to introduce new powers for recovering lower-value, persistent tax debts from individuals and businesses that repeatedly fail to engage with collection efforts. The proposals, set out in a public consultation earlier this year, would allow HMRC to recover debts through
Pensioners who do not want to receive the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026-27 have until September to opt out. The payment will be recovered through the tax system from those whose total income exceeds £35,000.
In England and Wales, pensioners who receive a State Pension can opt out through the
Missing a tax deadline can result in penalties from HMRC, but a taxpayer may be able to appeal if they have a genuine reasonable excuse. Whether an excuse is accepted depends on the individual facts and whether the taxpayer took action to put things right without unnecessary delay.
HMRC does not
The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey has confirmed, in a video message, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Details of all the Budget announcements will be made on a special section of the GOV.UK website which will be updated following completion of the
It is important to know if HMRC is holding money that belongs to you. For example, if you have paid too much tax to HMRC, you may be able to claim a tax refund (also known as a tax rebate). Overpayments can happen for a number of reasons, including changes in your employment, paying tax using the
The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) applies where an individual or their partner receives Child Benefit, and their adjusted net income currently exceeds £60,000. The charge may also apply where another person claims Child Benefit for a child living with you and contributes at least an equal
The government has announced a review into access to face-to-face banking services as concerns continue to grow over the impact of bank branch closures on local communities, older customers and small businesses.
Over recent years, many high street bank branches have closed as more customers move
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves updated Parliament on 21 May 2026 on the Government’s economic response to the war in Iran and the wider measures being taken to support households and businesses with rising cost pressures. One of the measures announced was an increase in approved