Main content
New tax checks came into effect on 4 April 2022 for taxis and scrap metal dealers renewing their licences with us.
This new measure, introduced by HMRC, is aimed at tackling the hidden economy – where a person’s entire source of income has not been declared for tax purposes.
A tax check with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will now be needed when you renew your licence to:
- Drive taxis or private hire vehicles
- Operate private hire vehicle businesses
- Deal in scrap metal
Applicants must do the check themselves prior to applying for their renewal and will receive a 9-character code which must be given to our Licensing Team along with the application in order to be processed.
How to complete a tax check
The new tax check is available on the GOV.UK website:
Applicants must have their Government Gateway user ID and password to provide a tax check code.
The tax check confirms applicants are registered for tax, if necessary and asks questions about how tax is paid on income earned from the licensed trade.
The check does not apply to those making a first licence application.
Keep up to date
Keep in touch with our latest news, service updates and reports.