HMRC Has Data From:
Thousands of private hire drivers working for Uber and Bolt are receiving letters from HMRC. This is not a scam—it's a targeted campaign based on data HMRC has acquired.
If you've received one of these letters, it's essential you understand what it means and what to do next. Ignoring it will not make the problem go away.
The letter typically contains worrying phrases, stating that HMRC has intelligence showing you've 'earned money from driving customers who booked using online applications'.
Key Quote from the Letter:
"We also have information that shows that you have not told us about some or all of this income. This means you may owe tax."
This is NOT:
A random scam
A phishing attempt
This IS: A targeted campaign based on data HMRC has acquired
Crucially: DO NOT IGNORE IT
Ignoring it could result in HMRC making an assessment based on (potentially inflated) information they have, which will likely be followed by significant penalties and interest charges on top of the tax owed.
You might be wondering how HMRC knows about your driving income. In short, their data-gathering capabilities are vast and growing more sophisticated every year.
Direct Platform Data Sharing
HMRC is receiving data directly from the platforms you work for, including:
The 'Connect' System
This is part of HMRC's wider strategy to connect all available data sources. They use a powerful, multi-billion-pound data-matching system called 'Connect'. This system cross-references information from many different places to build a detailed financial profile of taxpayers.
Sources feeding into the 'Connect' system include:
Third-party platforms
Like Uber and Bolt, who are now required to share information on their drivers' earnings
Bank Accounts
HMRC can and does access bank account information to look for patterns of payments that don't match a declared tax return
Social Media
They even look at social media accounts where you might be advertising your driving or delivery services
Other Government Departments
Information from the DVLA, local licensing authorities, and DWP can all be used
HMRC's strategy is clear: to link all these digital footprints together. This letter is proof that their system is working.
If you have received this letter and you do have undeclared income (even if it was an honest mistake), HMRC expects you to make a full disclosure.
This means proactively telling them about the income you haven't paid tax on. This is where we can help. Navigating an HMRC disclosure can be complex and stressful, but getting it right is critical.
Trying to handle this yourself or, worse, continuing to ignore it can be costly. HMRC has a range of penalties it can apply, which are a percentage of the tax owed.
If They Believe You Deliberately Withheld Information:
These penalties can be severe
You will also be charged interest on any tax paid late
By Ignoring the Letter, You Lose Control:
HMRC will simply issue a tax bill (an 'assessment') based on their own figures, and the burden of proof will be on you to prove it's wrong—all while penalties and interest mount up.
Our team of tax experts handles HMRC disclosures regularly. We can manage the entire process for you, ensuring it's done correctly and efficiently.
Full Review
We confidentially review your HMRC letter, bank statements, and platform earnings to understand the full picture
Calculate the Tax
We accurately calculate the exact amount of income, expenses, and tax owed for the relevant years
Manage HMRC
We act as your agent, meaning all correspondence from HMRC comes to us. You don't have to speak to them directly
Submit the Disclosure
We prepare and submit a formal, professional disclosure to HMRC on your behalf
Minimise Penalties
By making a full, prompted disclosure, we can often negotiate the lowest possible penalties
Save You a Significant Amount of Money
Of course, HMRC can get information incorrect. Their data-matching is powerful, but not infallible.
If you are absolutely certain that you did not receive any undeclared income from driving or any other platform work during the period they are asking about, you should not ignore the letter.
In this case, you can contact HMRC using the email address or phone number provided on the letter and inform them of the situation.
A Crucial Word of Warning:
Before you take this step, you must check your records thoroughly. Go back through your bank accounts and any app profiles.
If you mistakenly tell HMRC you have no income to declare, and they later find evidence that you did, this could be seen as deliberately misleading and may result in more severe consequences.
Receiving a letter from HMRC is stressful, but there is a clear path forward. Whether you need to make a full disclosure or believe the letter was sent in error, getting professional advice is your safest bet.
Expert HMRC disclosure service • Complete confidentiality • Minimise penalties
If You Have Undeclared Income:
If Letter Sent in Error:
Uber
Bolt
Deliveroo
Amazon Flex
Just Eat
Other gig apps