Loan charge – changes announced

The 2019 loan charge applied to loans made through a disguised remuneration loan scheme on or after 6 April 1999 which remained outstanding on 5 April 2019 and in respect of which settlement had not been reached with HMRC by that date. Loans caught by charge crystallised on 5 April 2019 and were treated as employment income on which PAYE tax and National Insurance were due.

The 2019 loan charge did not apply if the loan was repaid by 5 April 2019 or if a settlement was reached with HMRC. Reaching a settlement allowed the liabilities to be settled on better terms.

The loan charge attracted considerable criticism, particularly as regards the potentially devastating consequences for those affected. In September 2019, the Chancellor of the Exchequer commissioned Sir Amyas Morse to lead an independent review into the disguised remuneration loan charge. The review has now concluded and the Government have announced a package of changes to the loan charge. These include removing some loans, including those taken out prior to 9 December 2010, out of the scope of the charge.

What are the key changes?

The key changes arising from the independent review of the disguised remuneration loan charge are as follows:

the loan charge will only apply to outstanding loans that are made on or after 9 December 2010;
the loan charge will not apply to loans made prior to 6 April 2016 where the avoidance scheme was disclosed to HMRC and HMRC did not take any action, such as opening an enquiry;
those affected by the loan charge will be able to choose to spread their outstanding loan balance over three tax year – 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 – to provide greater flexibility when the loan is taxed (thereby potentially reducing or eliminating any higher rate tax payable);
voluntary payments (known as ‘voluntary restitution’) which were made to prevent the loan charge from arising and included in a settlement agreement reached since March 2016 will be refunded where the loan charge no longer applies because the loan was made prior to 9 December 2010 or because the loan was made prior to 6 April 2016 and fully disclosed to HMRC and HMRC took no action.

Additional flexibility in paying the charge

Those that remain within the scope of the loan charge will be given more flexibility as regards paying the charge. Taxpayers affected by the charge who do not have disposable assets and who earn less than £50,000 can agree a time-to-pay agreement with HMRC for a minimum of five years. Where the taxpayer earns less than £30,000, HMRC will agree a time-to-pay agreement for a minimum of seven years. Taxpayers that need longer to pay may be able to agree a longer time limit, but will need to provide HMRC with detailed financial information. Under a time to pay agreement, taxpayers will not normally have to pay more than 50% of their disposable income to HMRC.

This is a welcome outcome of the review. Previously, the ability to spread payments was only available where a settlement had been reached with HMRC.

Obtaining a refund

As a result of the changes outlined above, loans made in the period 6 April 1999 to 8 December 2010 are no longer within the scope of the charge. Likewise, loans made prior to 6 April 2016 under a disguised remuneration scheme disclosed to HMRC in respect of which HMRC took no action are also now outside the scope of the charge. Where the charge has been paid in relation to such loans, the taxpayer will be due a refund.

However, taxpayers will need to wait to receive the refunds due as HMRC have stated that they will not be able to process any refunds until the necessary legislation giving statutory effect to the change has been enacted by Parliament. This is expected to become law in summer 2020.

Filing a tax return

Taxpayers affected by the charge who have not submitted a tax return for 2018/19 or reached settlement with HMRC have a number of options available to them. They can either file their 2018/19 tax return by the normal due date of 31 January 2020 with the best estimate of the tax due in respect of their disguised remuneration loan. Alternatively, they can take advantage of an extended deadline and file the return by 30 September 2020. HMRC have stated that they will waive penalties for late filing, late payment and inaccuracies in relation to loan charge entries in these returns. Further, late payment interest will not be charged for the period 1 February 2020 to 30 September 2020 as long as the return is filed by 30 September 2020 and, by that date, either the associated tax is paid or the taxpayer has reached an agreement with HMRC to pay the tax.

Further help

HMRC are to write to taxpayers in early 2020 who they know have used a disguised remuneration scheme and who have either paid the loan charge or who may be liable to do so, explaining what the changes mean for them.

Guidance on the changes announced following the review can be on the Gov.uk website. Those affected can also call HMRC on 0300 534226 or email HMRC.