Payment of pension arrears could mean tax bill
A large number of people have been underpaid their state pension. Payment of what's owing is underway but if you receive such a payment, it may give rise to an income tax bill. What's the issue?
The state pension arrears identified so far exceed £300 million, mainly older women and widows, although the Department for Work and Pensions has also identified some men who have been underpaid. Payments of the arrears began in 2021, and the exercise should be completed by the end of 2024. If you are affected by this, you may be contacted in the coming weeks by HMRC. The reason for this is that some of the underpayment may be subject to income tax, depending on your other income. The letter will explain what you will need to do. HMRC has confirmed that it will only collect income tax on amounts relating to 2023/24 and the previous four tax years. If you are dealing with the affairs of someone who died before they received a payment, no income tax will be payable.
Related Topics
-
Tax relief on equipment you haven’t paid for (yet)
The timing of tax relief for purchases of equipment isn’t straightforward when payments are delayed or goods are purchased through hire purchase (HP) agreements. How can you use these rules to your advantage and get tax relief before you’ve paid the final invoice?
-
HMRC clarifies summer holiday VAT cut
HMRC has published further guidance on the temporary VAT reduction for certain activities during the school summer holidays. The additional detail helps businesses determine which supplies qualify for the relief and, importantly, which do not. What do you need to know?
-
Electronic VAT return and payment due