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?
HMRC's latest update includes two points on mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind. Mandatory payrolling is being phased in from 6 April 2027 and 6 April 2028, but employers can payroll benefits voluntarily if they wish. Currently, employers who voluntarily payroll benefits for income tax can continue to report and pay the employers' Class 1A NI liability after the end of the tax year. That will no longer be the case from 6 April 2027. Even where non-mandated benefits are payrolled voluntarily, the associated Class 1A NI contributions need to be made in real time through payroll.
 It is tempting to payroll all benefits from 6 April 2027 for simplicity but doing so doubles your NI costs for 2027/28. This is because you must pay Class 1A NI for 2026/27 benefits by 6 July 2027, and on 2027/28 benefits through the payroll each month.Â
The second update is that the list of exemptions has been extended to include globally mobile employees. It can be difficult to calculate and report benefits in real time when an employee is working overseas so such benefits can continue to be reported on form P11D after the end of the tax year. You must inform HMRC which employees are globally mobile if you want to use the exemption, and a dedicated form will be made available in November 2026.
Related Topics
-
Could refinancing your property put mortgage interest relief at risk?
HMRC has changed its guidance on claiming tax relief for interest on loans used to replace capital withdrawn from a business. The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has now challenged the revised guidance, warning that it creates uncertainty for landlords, sole traders and partnerships. Could your borrowing arrangements be affected?
-
Why is HMRC checking PVA more often?
Your business imports goods and accounts for VAT by applying postponed VAT accounting (PVA) on its returns. HMRC is scrutinising returns and issuing large assessments in some cases. What can you do to reduce the risk of getting it wrong?
-
HMRC text or scam? Check before you act
HMRC is contacting some taxpayers by text this week about overdue Self Assessment liabilities and is also sending updates about VAT registration applications. At the same time, it has expanded its guidance on spotting fake HMRC messages on social media. How can you tell whether a message is genuine?