HMRC: Your Guide to UK Tax, VAT, and Customs

When dealing with HMRC, the UK department that collects taxes, administers customs, and enforces revenue law. Also known as Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, it oversees everything from income tax to import duties.

One of the core areas under HMRC’s watch is tax, the financial charge individuals and businesses pay to the government. Within tax, VAT, a consumption tax applied to most goods and services demands regular returns and accurate invoicing. PAYE, the Pay As You Earn system that withholds income tax from employees' wages links employers directly to HMRC’s reporting network. Together, these components illustrate how HMRC requires compliance, provides guidance, and enforces penalties when rules are broken.

What to Expect from This Collection

Below you’ll find articles that break down the most common HMRC touch‑points. Whether you need to understand self‑assessment deadlines, navigate customs duties on imported goods, or decode the latest corporate tax changes, the posts cover practical steps, real‑world examples, and up‑to‑date advice. We also touch on emerging topics like digital tax reporting and anti‑avoidance measures, so you can stay ahead of policy shifts.

Ready to dive in? Explore the posts for clear explanations, step‑by‑step guides, and the kind of actionable insight that makes dealing with HMRC less of a headache and more of a routine part of running your finances.

HMRC at 20: James Murray Sets Out Bold Digital Plans and U.S.-UK Trade Pilot
22 Jul

Marking two decades of HMRC, Exchequer Secretary James Murray reflects on its journey from paperwork to digital-first services. He discusses upcoming changes, including a sweeping digital roadmap and a joint U.S.-UK trade pilot, aiming to make tax systems faster, more secure, and better for both businesses and families.