Loan written off: are you in HMRC’s crosshairs?
HMRC is writing to directors that took a loan from their company that was later written off or released. What should you do if you receive a letter?
The letters are being sent to taxpayers who:
- had a director’s loan that was written off or released between April 2019 and April 2023; and
- did not declare the amount as income on their self-assessment tax return.
The amount released or written off is treated as an income distribution and is taxable at the appropriate dividend rates. If you do need to pay extra tax you can tell HMRC by using the digital disclosure service. This service can be used even if the loan was written off or released before April 2019, but for loans released or written off since 6 April 2023, you can simply amend your tax return to reflect the additional income.
Related Topics
-
How much will you save with reduced scale charges?
HMRC has reduced the VAT fuel scale charge by nearly 6% for company-provided cars. When does the new reduced rate take effect and how do you make the calculations?
-
Avoid the trading allowance trap
In late 2024 you became self-employed. You’re now completing your tax return for 2024/25 and will claim the trading allowance instead of a tax deduction for business expenses. Could this impact your NI record and state pension entitlement?
-
Time off for fertility treatment?
A survey by Fertility Matters at Work has revealed that more than one-third of employees undergoing fertility treatment have resigned or are considering resigning because of the physical and emotional toll. Is there a right to time off for fertility treatment?
This website uses both its own and third-party cookies to analyze our services and navigation on our website in order to improve its contents (analytical purposes: measure visits and sources of web traffic). The legal basis is the consent of the user, except in the case of basic cookies, which are essential to navigate this website.