HMRC have issued ALL 4,000 letters to non-tax registered PHV drivers working on ride-hail platforms
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have now issued all 4,000 letters to private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers thought to be earning a living via ride-hailing apps, but remain non-tax registered.
In the same year that HMRC introduced separate licensing tax checks, thousands of PHV drivers working on app platforms such as Uber and Bolt have now received letters. The letters detailed HMRC intelligence showing they had ‘earned money from driving customers who booked using online applications’.
The letter issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) throughout 2022 stated: “We also have information that shows that you have not told us about some or all of this income. This means you may owe tax.”
The letters were sent out over a 17-week period starting from 5 September. Those receiving the letters had 30 days to respond or face a possible review of their tax affairs.
HMRC have confirmed to TaxiPoint that ALL 4,000 letters have now been sent.
In the letter it said: “We have information that shows you’ve earned money (income) from driving customers who booked using online applications.
“We also have information that shows that you have not told us about some or all of this income. This means you may owe tax.
“Please fill in the enclosed certificate of tax position and send it back to us by [DATE]. This is so we can help you get your tax affairs up to date.
“You may also receive a text message reminding you to get in touch with us.
“If you have income you need to tell us about:
“You can tell us now by making a voluntary disclosure using our online Digital Disclosure Service. Please tick box 1 on the certificate, then go to GOV.UK and search for ‘disclosure service’.
“You’ll need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have a user ID, you’ll need to create one. To do this, go to GOV.UK and search for ‘register for online services’, then choose ‘register for HMRC online services’.
“After you tell us you intend to make a voluntary disclosure, we’ll send you an acknowledgement letter. You’ll have 90 days from the date of the letter to work out and pay any tax you owe, via our Digital Disclosure Service.
“For more information about making a voluntary disclosure, go to GOV.UK and search for ‘make a voluntary disclosure’.
“If you do not have any income you need to tell us about:
“Please tick box 2 or 3 depending on your circumstances.”
The letter goes on to offer help to drivers who may find the review process ‘complicated’ and also urged those that have any ‘health or personal circumstances’ to get in touch.
