HMRC charges interest on underpayments of tax, and pays interest (repayment supplement) on overpayments. The rate of interest paid on overpaid tax is lower than the rate charged on underpayments, and interest rates are adjusted frequently in line with commercial interest rates.
Detailed calculation of interest and supplement are not shown on Statements of Account, so it is worth checking when these items are large.
Income tax and capital gains tax: self-assessment
Interest is charged on underpaid payments on account and balancing payments from the due date to the date of payment. Repayment supplement is paid from the date of overpayment to the date the repayment is issued. The interest or supplement is based on the final amount of tax and class 4 national insurance contributions, taking into account all later adjustments.
Interest is also payable on late-paid penalties and surcharges (but not on interest).
For individual taxpayers interest charged by HMRC is not tax-deductible, but neither is interest paid by HMRC taxable income.
Corporation tax: self-assessment
Similar principles apply with regard to corporation tax. However, interest rates are not necessarily the same as those applying to income tax and capital gains tax. In addition, there are different rates of interest for companies required to make quarterly payments of corporation tax.
In contrast to the position with personal taxpayers, under corporation tax self-assessment interest charged is allowed against company profits and interest received is treated as taxable income.
Typical interest rates
For rates of interest on overpaid and unpaid tax prior to the above, please visit the HMRC website.
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