HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is introducing a simple tax check that will take place when people renew their licences to drive hackney carriages and private hire vehicles and to operate private hire vehicles.
From 4 April 2022, when applying to renew a licence to drive hackney carriages or private hire vehicles or to operate private hire vehicles in England and Wales, all individuals will need to complete a tax check when applying to renew the relevant licence in England and Wales. In the case of an application to renew a licence to operate private hire vehicles made in the name of a company, the company must complete a tax check.
If a tax check is not completed, the licensing authority will be unable to consider your application to renew your licence and your current licence will expire.
If you are renewing your licence(s), you will need a nine digit tax check reference number which you can get by submitting your details into the online service. The licensing authority will use this to confirm with HMRC that you have completed a tax check. (please note, the check code is not your 10 digit UTR (Unique Tax Reference code).
In addition, all new applicants will be required to confirm they understand their tax responsibilities and are aware of the guidance in order to be properly registered for tax in the future. If you do not confirm that you are aware of the guidance, you will not be issued with a licence.
The following information may assist you: