Stricter Tax Checks Now In Force For Taxi Drivers

If you are a taxi driver in Northern Ireland you may or may not be aware that stricter tax checks have been announced for you to comply with, in a bid to ensure that all the drivers are on a level playing field and staying within the law.

There are nearly 8,000 taxi drivers in the country and they will all now have to complete tax checks when their operating licence next comes up for renewal. The Department for Infrastructure is in charge of these checks on all the drivers, who will have to ensure that they have completed their tax check before their renewal application can be considered.

Tackling The Small Minority Who Don’t Pay Their Taxes Accurately And On Time

Marc Gill, director of individuals and small business compliance at the HMRC, is quoted in an article on the ITV News website as saying:

“While most taxi drivers in Northern Ireland pay their taxes accurately and on time, we want to level the playing field and tackle the small minority who don’t.

“The hidden economy is estimated to cost the UK Government #2 billion in unpaid taxes, which deprives funds for the vital public services we all rely on.

“By linking tax compliance to licence renewal, the government hopes to discourage participation in the hidden economy and encourage drivers to fulfil their tax obligations.”

Drivers To Use A Government Gateway Account To Complete Their Tax Check

The same article goes on to say that:

‘The checks were rolled out in England and Wales in April 2022, where more than 120,000 people have already gone through the process.

‘When renewing their licence, drivers will need to use a Government Gateway account to complete the tax check on GOV.UK.

‘After answering a few questions about their tax registration, HMRC will provide applicants with a tax check code.

‘This code must be given to the Department for Infrastructure before they can proceed with the licence renewal application.’

Helping Businesses With Any Tax Related Matters They May Have

Just a quick reminder that if you have any tax issues whatsoever which you need some expert help and assistance with, please get in touch with our accountancy team at the earliest opportunity. We can sort out any tax related matters for you, along with any other accounting related activity, leaving you to concentrate on running your business. You can call us here in Armagh on 028 3752 2909.