HMRC bungles 2026/27 PAYE codes for pensioners
For some pensioners, the 2025/26 winter fuel payment should be collected via their 2026/27 PAYE code. HMRC has started to issue PAYE codes for the new tax year, but the extra charge is missing. What's going on?
The winter fuel payment was paid to state pensioners automatically at the end of 2025, unless they opted out in time. The full payment is clawed back if an individual's income exceeds £35,000 gross per annum, and for those that aren't completing tax returns, it's supposed to be collected through their PAYE code. This means the winter fuel payment received in 2025/26 will be collected via the 2026/27 PAYE code. The adjustment will deduct around £17 per month to claw back the payment over the course of the tax year. Some PAYE tax codes have already been issued for 2026/27, but HMRC has confirmed these may not include the charge. No action is required because an updated PAYE code will be issued in April 2026 to rectify this.
It is possible to opt out of the winter fuel payment, but this will need to be done each year. From April 2026 it should be possible to opt out using an online form.
Related Topics
-
Payment deadline for corporation tax
-
HMRC targets undeclared consultancy income in the medical sector
HMRC is writing to people working in the medical sector where information supplied by private healthcare providers suggests that consultancy fees may have been omitted from their tax returns. Recipients have 30 days to check their position and respond. What should you do if you get a letter?
-
MONTHLY FOCUS: BUSINESS AND AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY RELIEF: WHAT DO THE NEW IHT RULES MEAN FOR YOU?
The inheritance tax treatment of businesses and farms changed fundamentally from 6 April 2026. The amount that can qualify for 100% business property relief and agricultural property relief is now capped, potentially leaving families with a significant tax bill for the first time. What has changed, and what should business owners and farmers be doing about it?