HMRC Publishes Guidance on Verifying Authentic Text Message Communications

HMRC has released a reference list of genuine text messages to help traders and individuals distinguish legitimate communications from scam attempts. The resource allows recipients to cross-check messages they have received against confirmed authentic HMRC texts. This measure aims to combat fraudulent messaging schemes that impersonate the tax authority to capture personal or financial information from customs and trade businesses.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Guide to obtaining excise warehouse approval and reporting requirements

HMRC has published guidance on the application process for businesses seeking to operate premises as an excise warehouse, which requires prior approval. The guidance covers the submission requirements for new applications and clarifies when operators must inform HMRC of changes to their warehouse operations or premises details.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC Excise Notice 179 Sets Out Obligations for Motor and Heating Fuel Warehousekeepers

Excise Notice 179 provides guidance to warehousekeepers of motor and heating fuels regarding their accounting responsibilities and excise duty obligations in the UK. The notice covers the general principles, record-keeping requirements, and VAT treatment that fuel warehouse operators must follow. This guidance applies to businesses involved in storing and managing motor fuels and heating fuels under excise warehouse arrangements.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Corporate Finance Manual Provides Overview of Loan, Currency and Derivative Legislation

HMRC has published guidance covering the legislative framework that governs corporate finance transactions, including loan relationships, foreign exchange contracts and derivative instruments. The manual serves as an introductory resource for understanding the tax and regulatory requirements applicable to these financial arrangements. The guidance is designed to help businesses and their advisers navigate the complex rules that apply to financing activities and hedging strategies.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC releases property rental income statistics covering five tax years through 2024-25

HMRC has published official statistics on property rental income and expenses reported through Income Tax Self-Assessment returns for the five tax years from 2020-21 to 2024-25. The data covers individual landlords filing ITSA returns but excludes incorporated businesses, property sales, and tenant information. This statistical release provides insights into the rental property sector based on self-assessment declarations submitted to HMRC.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Northern Ireland Electoral Regulations Updated Following Elections Act 2022

Subordinate legislation has been amended to implement provisions from the Elections Act 2022, with changes primarily affecting postal voting procedures for Parliamentary and Assembly elections in Northern Ireland. The regulations also introduce amendments and transitional provisions concerning EU citizens’ voting and candidacy rights, building on earlier franchise and eligibility changes made in 2023. Corresponding provisions for local elections are covered under separate 2024 legislation.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

Claiming Input and Output Tax After VAT Registration Cancellation

This guidance explains the process for businesses to recover input tax and settle output tax obligations following the cancellation of their VAT registration. It covers the rights and responsibilities of businesses that cease VAT-registered activities, including how to handle outstanding tax positions with HMRC. The guidance clarifies which tax claims can be made after deregistration and the timeframes within which they must be submitted.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Second-hand motor vehicle VAT payment scheme available for businesses without UK establishment

Businesses lacking a UK business establishment can now submit VAT payment claims through HMRC’s second-hand motor vehicle payment scheme. This scheme allows eligible traders to manage their VAT obligations on second-hand vehicle sales through a specific claims process. The arrangement provides an alternative compliance route for non-UK established businesses operating in the second-hand motor vehicle sector.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC Launches Document Submission Portal for Compliance Checks

HMRC has introduced a dedicated form allowing businesses and individuals to upload documents and provide information when requested by the compliance team. The service is designed for those who have received correspondence from HMRC’s compliance division requiring additional documentation or details. This online submission method provides an alternative channel to the traditional methods of responding to compliance inquiries. The platform aims to streamline the information-gathering process during HMRC compliance checks.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC Statutory Notice Return: Download Templates and Submission Guide

HMRC has published guidance on downloading and completing spreadsheet return templates for statutory notice submissions. The guidance sets out the process for businesses to populate their returns accurately and transmit them to HMRC. This applies to traders and organisations required to file statutory notices under relevant tax or customs legislation. The guidance ensures compliance with HMRC’s data collection requirements and filing deadlines.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original