Tax check for taxi and private hire drivers
How to complete your HMRC tax check and get your code to renew your taxi licence.
A tax check confirms that you are registered for tax. You must complete one with HMRC if you are renewing a licence in England and Wales to:
- drive taxis or private hire vehicles
- operate a private hire vehicle business
How to get your tax check code
You must complete the HMRC tax check yourself. An accountant or agent cannot do this for you.
- Complete your tax check (GOV.UK).
You’ll need to use your Government Gateway account. If you do not have an account, you can sign up on the site. - Answer questions about how you pay tax on your licensed trade income. This only takes a few minutes.
- HMRC will provide you with a 9-character tax check code. This code is valid for 120 days.
- Provide this code to us as part of your licence renewal application. We cannot process your application without it.
Note: We only receive confirmation that you completed the check. We cannot see any details about your personal tax affairs.
Check your tax registration status (if required)
If the HMRC system flags that you are not registered to pay tax on your income, use the following links to register.
If you are not yet registered, register as soon as possible on GOV.UK:
- Employees
Check how you pay income tax via PAYE
How you pay Income Tax (GOV.UK). - Self-employed
Set up and register for self-assessment
Register for self-assessment (GOV.UK). - Companies
Find information on Corporation Tax
Corporation tax (GOV.UK).
Ensuring your tax is correct is your responsibility. If you should have been registered to pay tax but are not, HMRC will help support you through the process.
Further support
- Read the guidance: Complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence (GOV.UK)
- If you cannot use the online service or need extra help filling in the forms, contact the HMRC Customer Helpline: Income Tax: enquiries
- For information in alternative formats: Get help from HMRC if you need extra support.