DRIVER EARNINGS: Taxi and PHV drivers in last-minute scramble to provide HMRC details to operator on deadline day
Updated: Feb 2
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Some taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, along with their digital app operators, are facing a last-minute rush to finalise tax details ahead of new reporting requirements.
With the first submission deadline of 31 January 2025 now here, digital platforms such as Uber, Bolt, FREENOW, and Gett have been urgently calling on drivers to provide their National Insurance numbers and other HMRC-required details throughout the last year. Any delay could result in compliance issues for both drivers and operators.
From 1 January 2024, businesses classified as Reporting Platform Operators (RPOs) must track and report driver earnings. This applies to any digital platform facilitating taxi and PHV bookings. The goal is to increase tax transparency and ensure that all income is properly declared.
Operators must now collect and verify key driver information, including full name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. This data will be submitted to HMRC annually, with the first report covering income earned between 1 January and 31 December 2024.
Drivers using digital platforms must ensure their personal and tax details are up to date. Full-time and part-time drivers alike will have their earnings reported, so providing accurate information to operators is essential.
Failure to do so could lead to reporting errors, potentially affecting tax liabilities and their ability to remain working on the platform as a driver. Operators have warned that any missing details could delay submissions, creating further complications for those who fail to comply.
Operators are said to face penalties if they miss the submission deadline, provide incomplete data, or fail to comply with HMRC requirements. Ensuring accurate records and timely submissions is now a top priority for all digital platforms.
For drivers, failing to provide the necessary details may lead to incorrect income reporting, which could trigger tax disputes or delays in processing returns.
The new system marks a significant shift in tax reporting for the taxi and PHV industry. With the first annual report now due, operators and drivers must work quickly to meet the deadline and avoid potential penalties.