HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will gain new powers to recover unpaid taxes directly from joint bank accounts starting in July 2029. The policy could affect couples where only one partner owes money, with no guaranteed minimum balance left untouched.
New Tax Collection Powers Will Target Joint Bank Accounts
The UK government’s latest tax recovery proposals mark a significant change in how authorities pursue unpaid debts, according to The i Paper.
The Treasury’s Budget “red book” says that from July 2029, HMRC will have a new power to “recover lower value tax debts through regular instalments directly from the bank accounts of individuals and companies who can afford to pay but repeatedly fail to do so”.
Unlike existing direct recovery arrangements, the new system will allow recurring deductions rather than relying solely on one-off collections.
The proposed limits are £5,000 for individuals and £10,000 for companies. The Treasury estimates that the measure will generate an additional £320 million in the 2031–32 financial year.
Crucially, joint accounts will be in scope, although the Government said it “would only consider joint accounts if there was no viable sole account”.
This means a couple’s shared funds could become subject to deductions even when only one account holder is responsible for the outstanding tax.
What Protections Will Couples Have?
The government has outlined safeguards intended to protect people who share accounts with tax debtors.
“Where HMRC holds the necessary information” it “will notify the non-debtor prior to any deduction and provide an opportunity to object”, the Government said.
Account holders will receive 28 days’ notice before deductions begin. HMRC also plans to assess whether individuals can afford repayments and allow objections based on financial hardship.
One significant difference from the existing Direct Recovery of Debts scheme concerns protected balances.
Under that scheme, HMRC must leave at least £5,000 in an individual’s account. The proposed installment system does not currently guarantee that any specific amount will remain available.
The government argues that affordability assessments and appeal rights should provide sufficient protection, while leaving open the possibility of introducing a minimum balance requirement.
Tax Experts Warn of Risks to Household Finances
The potential consequences for couples have drawn concern from financial and tax specialists.
Khurm Arshad, regional director at debt advice company Lightside, warned that money held in a shared account does not necessarily represent disposable income.
Funds may already be allocated to mortgage payments, rent, utility bills or groceries. Some may also belong to a partner with no outstanding tax liability.
Nimesh Shah, chief executive of Blick Rothenberg, described the approach as a “step change” in tax collection.
He questioned whether direct deductions represented a proportionate response, particularly during a period of pressure on household budgets.
The central concern is whether HMRC can distinguish genuinely available funds from money required to meet everyday expenses before instructing a bank to make deductions.
When Will the New HMRC Rules Take Effect?
The system is scheduled to begin in July 2029, initially covering current accounts rather than savings accounts.
It will apply to qualifying tax debts and child benefit debts, while tax credit debts will remain excluded.
The government has indicated that savings accounts could eventually fall within the rules if evidence emerges that debtors deliberately move money to avoid collection.
HMRC expects to establish fewer than 250,000 deduction plans annually.
The government is also developing a code of practice to clarify how affordability checks, objections and other protections will operate.
Autumn Murphy, technical officer at the Association of Taxation Technicians, has called for robust safeguards to prevent the new powers from causing or worsening financial hardship.
Draft legislation is expected in summer 2027, ahead of the planned July 2029 implementation.
