Latest news with #GovernmentGateway
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Millions of self-employed people told to act now or face 'nasty surprise'
Around two million self-employed people in the UK are being warned to act now or risk a "nasty surprise" from HMRC. Two million self-employed individuals across the UK are being warned to take immediate action or face an unwelcome surprise from HMRC. The July 31 "payment on account" deadline means those completing self-assessment tax returns may need to take swift action. Aaron Peake, personal finance expert at CredAbility, explained: "People think they're done with tax after January. But if you're self-employed or have extra income, HMRC often expects you to pay again in July. These payments on account are usually half your last bill, so it can be a nasty shock if you weren't expecting it. It catches people off guard every single year. "It's the school holidays, maybe you're enjoying time off, or business has slowed down - the last thing on your mind is HMRC. But miss the 31 July deadline, and interest starts building from day one. You could end up reaching for a credit card or overdraft to cover it, which then knocks on to your other bills. That's when people start missing payments and their credit score takes a hit." Aaron added: "If your income has gone down since your last tax return, you can ask HMRC to reduce the payment. Either update your self-assessment account or fill in form SA303. Just make sure the numbers are realistic. If you underpay, HMRC will add interest later." Birmingham Live reports that added: "The deadline is midnight on Wednesday 31 July, and HMRC won't be lenient just because it's summer. You can pay by debit card or bank transfer through your Government Gateway account. "Even if you can't pay the full amount, try to pay something. It shows you're acting on it and might soften the blow if you need help later. Visit to make a payment or check what you owe. "If the money just isn't there, don't bury your head in the sand. HMRC's 'Time to Pay' service lets you apply for a monthly payment plan. It takes minutes to check if you qualify. But the longer you leave it, the harder it gets," he said. "Once interest and penalties kick in, your options get much smaller." He added: "This is how people damage their credit score without realising. "Not by missing tax directly, but by scrambling to pay it with credit cards, overdrafts or loans, then falling behind on other bills. That can make it harder to get a mortgage, loan or even a phone contract later. A five-minute login could save you a lot of hassle. "It might seem early, but this is the perfect time to start sorting your expenses for next year's return. Things like mileage, home office costs, and equipment all count, but only if you've got the paperwork. Keep your receipts, back everything up, and start the next tax year on the front foot."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
HMRC warning for 2million people with days to go to deadline
You could be at risk of extra fees if you do not act now With the July 31 'payment on account' deadline looming, up to two million self-employed individuals in the UK are being warned to take action or face an unexpected letter from HMRC. Those who submitted a self-assessment tax return earlier this year might now be liable for another payment to HMRC, and overlooking this could lead to hefty interest charges, additional debt, and a negative impact on credit ratings. Aaron Peake, personal finance expert at CredAbility, cautioned: "People think they're done with tax after January. But if you're self-employed or have extra income, HMRC often expects you to pay again in July. These payments on account are usually half your last bill, so it can be a nasty shock if you weren't expecting it. "It catches people off guard every single year. It's the school holidays, maybe you're enjoying time off, or business has slowed down - the last thing on your mind is HMRC. But miss the 31 July deadline, and interest starts building from day one. You could end up reaching for a credit card or overdraft to cover it, which then knocks on to your other bills. That's when people start missing payments and their credit score takes a hit." Aaron highlighted five key points that people should be aware of before the deadline. You might not be on the hook for the full sum: "If your income has gone down since your last tax return, you can ask HMRC to reduce the payment. Either update your self-assessment account or fill in form SA303. Just make sure the numbers are realistic. If you underpay, HMRC will add interest later." Don't forget, you can settle up online: "The deadline is midnight on Wednesday, 31 July, and HMRC won't be lenient just because it's summer. You can pay by debit card or bank transfer through your Government Gateway account. Even if you can't pay the full amount, try to pay something. It shows you're acting on it and might soften the blow if you need help later. Visit to make a payment or check what you owe." Consider spreading the cost if funds are tight: "If the money just isn't there, don't bury your head in the sand. HMRC's 'Time to Pay' service lets you apply for a monthly payment plan. It takes minutes to check if you qualify. But the longer you leave it, the harder it gets. Once interest and penalties kick in, your options get much smaller." And remember, your credit score could take a hit: "This is how people damage their credit score without realising. Not by missing tax directly, but by scrambling to pay it with credit cards, overdrafts or loans, then falling behind on other bills. That can make it harder to get a mortgage, loan or even a phone contract later. A five-minute login could save you a lot of hassle." Always keep receipts: "It might seem early, but this is the perfect time to start sorting your expenses for next year's return. Things like mileage, home office costs, and equipment all count, but only if you've got the paperwork. Keep your receipts, back everything up, and start the next tax year on the front foot."
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
HMRC explains 3-week rule for when you should get tax refund
A taxpayer contacted HMRC as they were owed a refund HMRC has explained the rules around tax refunds and how long they take to arrive. The update came after a taxpayer contacted a taxpayer as they were expecting to receive a refund. They asked over social media: "I had a call yesterday about a tax refund, guy on the phone said a cheque will be sent, anyway you guys can confirm whether it's been processed? As on my gateway it's still showing me I can claim the money." A person can manage some of their tax affairs by setting up a Government Gateway and personal tax account, on the website. You can use your account to claim a tax refund, as well as to submit and manage a self assessment tax return. HMRC replied to ask the person if they had asked HMRC to call them about their refund and if they had shared any personal details with the representative they spoke to, such as their bank details. The customer said they had called up to ask why they couldn't claim the cash online. They were told it was too late to claim the amount online and that HMRC would have to send out a cheque instead. The person said they did not share any bank details on the call. HMRC then asked if the person they spoke to had told them whether or not they had "completed the referral to arrange a replacement repayment". To this the customer responded: "I think he said they can only do a cheque and I think he said that's done for you and then the call ended, but I didn't get a email confirming it or anything like that and on my gateway it still says I'm owed money." HMRC then explained: "If it's the first time this repayment is being issued by cheque, then it can take up to 2-3 weeks. You won't get any notifications about this yet." The website states that if you get a P800 tax calculation letter informing you that you are owed a refund, if you claim the amount online it will take up to five working days to arrive. If you ask for HMRC to send you a cheque, it can take up to six weeks to arrive. However, if your letter states that HMRC will send you a cheque, this should arrive within 14 days of the date of the letter. If you are owed tax for more than one year, you will get a single cheque for the entire amount. The guidance explains: "Your tax calculation letter will tell you if HMRC will send you a cheque. You do not need to contact HMRC to make a claim - you'll automatically get the cheque by post."
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP Universal Credit claim rule change you may not know about
Millions of people claim Universal Credit from the DWP The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently made a change affecting Universal Credit claims - and not everybody may be aware of it. The most up-to-date figures suggest more than seven million people across England, Scotland and Wales currently claim the income-related benefit. Universal Credit is designed to assist those in and out of work on a low income with everyday living costs. Those applying for this means-tested benefit online must verify their identity, or their application cannot be processed. And a recent update from DWP states that payslips and P60s "can no longer be used for online identity verification" and have been removed from the acceptable forms of evidence list on The DWP further stated: "Universal Credit no longer uses Government Gateway or Verify for online verification." According to DWP guidance, if you wish to claim Universal Credit, you must verify your identity as this "helps to link the right person to the right claim and reduce identity fraud". As reported by the Daily Record, you can confirm your identity by one or more of the following methods: online identity verification face-to-face appointments documentary evidence biographical interviews Verifying your identity online is a straightforward and secure way to confirm your identity. However, the DWP warns: "Universal Credit no longer uses Government Gateway or Verify for online verification." You can confirm your identity online by providing some information that only you would know, such as details about your passport. You can use any two of the following items to verify your identity online: valid UK passport recent Self Assessment returns credit references or records - for example, information about credit cards or phone contracts Alternatively, guidance adds: "The DWP uses a combination of documentary evidence, interviewing and information on DWP records to verify someone's identity." In some cases, this could include an in-person appointment at a Jobcentre Plus where ID and proof of address must be presented. Depending on your circumstances, details of what evidence you need to provide will be discussed with you when you apply for Universal Credit. Full details on how to verify your identity for Universal Credit claims can be found on here.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
HMRC warns anyone born on these dates could be owed £2,200 in unclaimed cash
If the parent didn't open a Child Trust Fund, then HMRC would have opened one on behalf of the child - this means there are thousands of young people that may not realise they have one HMRC is urging parents to check if their child has a forgotten savings account worth an average of £2,000. Child Trust Funds were saving accounts given to children born between September 1, 2002 and January 2, 2011. Each child was given a voucher worth £250, or £500 for those from lower income families to start the account. Families could then add up to £9,000 a year into a Child Trust Fund. If the parent didn't open a Child Trust Fund, then HMRC would have opened one on behalf of the child - this means there are thousands of young people that may not realise they have one of these accounts. Latest figures from HMRC show more than 670,000 people aged 18 to 22 have yet to claim their Child Trust Fund. On average, each account is worth £2,212. In a post on X, HMRC said: "If your child is between 18 and 22, they can cash in their #ChildTrustFund. The average amount claimed is £2,200." You can't open a new Child Trust Fund but you can continue to pay into an existing account. It is only possible to access a Child Trust Fund once the child turns 18. How to fin If you know the name of your Child Trust Fund provider, you can contact it directly to find out more about your account. If you've lost track of your account, you can ask HMRC to help you locate it by filling out a form on You can ask HMRC to find a Child Trust Fund if you're a parent or guardian of a child under 18, or if you're 16 or over and looking for your own account. You will need your National Insurance number and Government Gateway - this is free to create - to fill out the online form. Once you've entered the right information, HMRC should tell you the name of the Child Trust Fund provider within three weeks. You can also request details by post by writing to: Charities, Savings and International 1, HMRC, BX9 1AU. Try to include as many details as possible, such as the full name, date of birth and address of the account holder, plus their National Insurance number. In a comment published last November, Angela MacDonald, HMRC Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said: 'Thousands of Child Trust Fund accounts are sitting unclaimed – we want to reunite young people with their money and we're making the process as simple as possible. 'You don't need to pay anyone to find your Child Trust Fund for you, locate yours today by searching 'find your Child Trust Fund' on
