Senior civil servants, ministers and other high-earning public officials are having their tax queries dealt with eight times quicker than the general public through a secretive helpline. This is due to a secretive helpline, known as Public Department 1 (PD1), that prioritises high earning public officials, MPs and the royal family. Some 11.5million taxpayers filed returns for the 2023/24 tax year before the deadline - including 10.9million expected returns plus voluntary returns and late registrations. HMRC said there are extra penalties for paying late of 5 per cent of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months. If tax remains unpaid after the deadline, interest will also be charged on the amount owed - in addition to these penalties.

Source: The Times March 03, 2025 12:22 UTC