# HMRC bank account raid powers spark concern over burden of proof

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/hmrc-bank-account-raid-powers-spark-concern-over-burden-of-proof/
- Published: 2026-11-06T06:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T06:19:51+00:00
- Original publisher: City AM (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.cityam.com/hmrc-bank-account-raid-powers-spark-concern-over-burden-of-proof/
- Topics: Business

## Key points

- HMRC plans direct bank account recovery powers from July 2029.
- Advisers question how debts and affordability will be assessed.
- The government expects the measure to raise £320 million in 2031/32.

## Summary

From July 2029, HMRC is due to gain powers to recover certain unpaid tax debts directly from bank accounts, raising concerns about how it will verify debts and assess taxpayers’ ability to pay. Tax advisers warn that people could struggle to challenge incorrect amounts or distinguish refusal to engage from inability to do so.

The powers would cover debts of up to £5,000 for individuals and £10,000 for companies. Existing rules allow direct recovery only for debts over £1,000 and require at least £5,000 to remain in the account; the government estimates the new measure could raise £50 million in its first year and £320 million in 2031/32. HMRC says it will act only after repeated contact attempts with people able to pay, with safeguards including checks on affordable instalments.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.