News

HMRC has published accredited official statistics covering tax-advantaged Employee Share Schemes, providing data on participation and scheme usage across the UK. The statistics offer detailed insights into how many employees are benefiting from these schemes and their distribution across different sectors and company sizes. This statistical release enables businesses, policymakers, and compliance professionals to understand uptake trends and the economic impact of these tax-incentivised arrangements.

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

HMRC has published a list of codes that traders must use in Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service to specify where goods will be held and examined at internal temporary storage facilities. The codes, contained in Appendix 16D guidance, enable customs to track the location of goods during temporary storage before onward processing. This applies to all traders using the Customs Declaration Service who store goods at designated internal facilities.

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

HMRC has published guidance outlining the different categories of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status available to businesses operating in international supply chains. The guidance explains the specific requirements and advantages associated with each AEO status type, helping businesses identify which certification may be most relevant to their operations. AEO status provides customs benefits to compliant traders meeting defined security and safety standards.

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

HMRC has released the updated local reference rent data for residential properties across England, organised by broad rental market areas and property size categories for June 2026. The reference rent levels are used to determine eligibility thresholds for housing benefit claims and related welfare assessments. This data covers properties ranging from one to four or more rooms across all designated BRMAs in England.

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

Employers can now access HMRC’s directory of recognised payroll software solutions, available in both free and paid versions, to help them submit PAYE information online. The list enables businesses to identify compliant software options that meet HMRC’s technical standards for digital payroll reporting. This supports employers in meeting their obligations to file PAYE returns through approved digital channels.

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

HMRC has issued guidance on completing Soft Drinks Industry Levy returns, including the information that must be provided and the process for amending errors in previously submitted returns. The notice also sets out the records businesses must maintain to support their levy compliance, ensuring traders have clear direction on documentation and reporting obligations under the scheme.

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

HMRC has published a set of codes that traders and customs agents must use in Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service to identify where goods may be examined at external temporary storage facilities. These codes, detailed in Appendix 16F, enable the specification of examination locations for goods held in external storage before customs clearance. Users should refer to the updated guidance to ensure accurate declaration submissions using the correct ETSF location identifiers.

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

HMRC has issued VAT Notice 701/21A, which sets out the specific gold coins that qualify for VAT exemption under the investment gold coins provisions of the VAT Act 1994. The notice provides businesses and traders with the definitive list of coins eligible for this exemption, helping them correctly classify transactions for VAT purposes. This guidance applies to dealers, importers, and other parties involved in the supply of precious metals subject to VAT rules.

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

HMRC has published the Employment Income Manual, which provides comprehensive guidance on how the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 applies to employment-related income and pension arrangements. The manual serves as an interpretative resource for understanding the legislation governing tax treatment of wages, salaries, bonuses, benefits and pension contributions. This guidance applies to employers, employees, pension providers and tax professionals navigating employment income tax obligations under the 2003 Act.

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

HMRC has provided guidance on commercial software solutions available for businesses to report both Domestic Top-up Tax and Multinational Top-up Tax under Pillar 2. The guidance helps organisations identify appropriate software tools to manage their top-up tax compliance and reporting obligations. Businesses should review the available options to select software that meets their specific operational requirements.

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