Thousands of Britons are facing unexpected tax bills due to a recent HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) crackdown on underpaid taxes. Many taxpayers, including those on PAYE, are receiving shock demands for additional payments, sometimes running into thousands of pounds.
Why Are People Receiving Surprise Tax Bills?
The issue stems from discrepancies in tax codes, pension contributions, or benefits in kind that were not correctly accounted for during the year. HMRC's real-time information system is now flagging these errors, leading to retrospective charges.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Those with multiple income streams
- Employees receiving company benefits
- People with private pensions
- Workers who changed jobs during the tax year
What Can You Do?
If you receive an unexpected tax bill, don't panic. You may be able to:
- Request a payment plan if you can't pay immediately
- Check if the calculation is correct
- Claim any allowable expenses you might have missed
- Seek professional advice if the amount seems incorrect
Experts advise regularly checking your personal tax account on the HMRC website to catch potential issues early.
