HMRC reveals £42.8 billion outstanding tax debt

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

Could your area introduce a tourist tax?

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

Winter Fuel Payment opt-out deadline approaches

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

HMRC targets persistent tax debts

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

What is a reasonable excuse for missing a tax deadline?

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

Budget date announced

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

Is HMRC holding money that belongs to you?

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).

Child Benefit and the High Income Child Benefit Charge

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

Government reviews access to face-to-face banking services

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

Government measures to ease rising fuel costs

The government has announced a package of measures intended to help motorists and businesses manage rising fuel costs following disruption linked to the conflict in Iran.

As part of the package, the