HMRC bungles 2026/27 PAYE codes for pensioners
For some pensioners, the 2025/26 winter fuel payment should be collected via their 2026/27 PAYE code. HMRC has started to issue PAYE codes for the new tax year, but the extra charge is missing. What's going on?
The winter fuel payment was paid to state pensioners automatically at the end of 2025, unless they opted out in time. The full payment is clawed back if an individual's income exceeds £35,000 gross per annum, and for those that aren't completing tax returns, it's supposed to be collected through their PAYE code. This means the winter fuel payment received in 2025/26 will be collected via the 2026/27 PAYE code. The adjustment will deduct around £17 per month to claw back the payment over the course of the tax year. Some PAYE tax codes have already been issued for 2026/27, but HMRC has confirmed these may not include the charge. No action is required because an updated PAYE code will be issued in April 2026 to rectify this.
It is possible to opt out of the winter fuel payment, but this will need to be done each year. From April 2026 it should be possible to opt out using an online form.
Related Topics
-
Do dividend waivers still work?
You need to take a dividend from your company but there’s just one problem. Your business partner, who is also a 50% shareholder, doesn’t want to take any more income from the company during this tax year. What’s the solution?
-
Save tax by combining directors’ loan accounts
You started a company last year and it’s time to prepare its first accounts. Your director’s loan account (DLA) is in credit but your spouse’s is overdrawn. Might amalgamating the DLAs avoid or reduce a tax charge?
-
Updated guidance on mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind
Much like the rollout of mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind, HMRC guidance on the matter is coming in dribs and drabs. What's the latest?