New tax check scheme for taxi drivers, operators and scrap metal dealers
The government is putting in place new tax requirements for applications to certain licences.
This is supported by a new digital service, being developed by HMRC. It helps people in the taxi, private hire and scrap metal industries to complete a new tax check.
Most people are registered to pay tax and this is about ensuring everyone pays the tax they should, creating a level playing field for the compliant majority. HMRC are working with industry bodies to make this as straightforward as possible. The check should take a few minutes every few years and is simply to confirm that someone is appropriately registered for tax.
You’ll need to complete a tax check when you renew your licence with us if you are a:
- dual hackney carriage and private hire driver
- private hire vehicle operator
- scrap metal dealer mobile collector
- scrap metal dealer site
This also includes if you are new to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council but have been licensed by us or another council in the last 12 months.
If you are new to licensing or have been out of the trade for more than 12 months then you will just need to confirm as part of your application that you are registering for tax.
About the tax check
You will be able to complete this tax check on GOV.UK, through your Government Gateway account. You will only need to answer a few questions to tell HMRC how you pay any tax that may be due on income you earn from your licensed trade. If you do not already have a Government Gateway account, you can sign up on GOV.UK.
The tax check should only take a few minutes. There’ll be guidance on GOV.UK and anyone who needs extra support will be able to complete the tax check by phone through HMRC’s customer helpline.
When you’ve completed the tax check, you’ll get a code. You must give this code to us when completing your application or renewal. We cannot proceed with your licence application or renewal until the tax check is completed and have received the code.
We will only receive confirmation from HMRC that you’ve completed the tax check, we will not have access to information about your tax affairs.