- Key Takeaways
- Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) and Starting Rate for Savings in 2025/26
- What is the HMRC Savings Tax Warning?
- When and Why Does HMRC Send a Tax Warning?
- Understanding Personal Tax Allowance
- How Does HMRC Know About Your Savings Interest?
- How Does HMRC Tax Your Savings Interest?
- What Happens If You Ignore an HMRC Tax Warning?
- How to Check If You Owe Tax on Savings Interest?
- How to Legally Avoid Paying Tax on Your Savings?
- What Should You Do If You Receive a Tax Bill from HMRC?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Many tax savers in the UK are facing an unexpected tax bill as interest rates continue to rise and savings accounts offer the highest returns in more than a decade. With inflation-adjusted returns increasing and the personal savings allowance remaining unchanged, HMRC is closely monitoring the interest income that is flowing into millions of accounts. The HMRC Savings Tax Bill Warning has become especially relevant in 2025, as more individuals than ever before might be subject to savings tax, many of them for the first time.
Knowing the most recent regulations, criteria, and how to prevent receiving an unexpected letter from the taxman is crucial, regardless of whether you have a cash ISA, premium bonds, or a high-interest savings account.
This blog will explain what’s changing, who is at risk, and what preventive measures you can take right now to safeguard your investments and remain tax-efficient.
Key Takeaways
- Rising interest rates in 2025 mean more UK savers may exceed their Personal Savings Allowance and face unexpected tax bills.
- HMRC automatically receives reports of your savings interest and may adjust your tax code or issue a bill if you owe tax.
- Using ISAs, splitting savings between partners, and managing taxable income are effective ways to reduce or avoid savings tax.
- Promptly addressing any HMRC tax warning can help you avoid penalties, interest, and further enforcement actions.
Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) and Starting Rate for Savings in 2025/26
| Income Tax Band | Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) | Starting Rate for Savings |
| Basic Rate (20%) | £1,000 | Up to £5,000 — if non-savings income is £12,570 or less (tapers down to £0 at £17,570) |
| Higher Rate (40%) | £500 | £0 |
| Additional Rate (45%) | £0 | £0 |
The starting rate for savings provides an additional £5,000 tax-free allowance for savings interest for those with low non-savings income
What is the HMRC Savings Tax Warning?
The HMRC Savings Tax Warning is an alert for UK savers that rising interest rates could result in more individuals receiving unforeseen tax bills in 2025. As savings interest rates increase, many people risk exceeding their Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) without realising it. HMRC advises savers to monitor their interest income and remain informed to prevent unexpected tax costs.
When and Why Does HMRC Send a Tax Warning?
When the interest on your savings surpasses your Personal Savings Allowance (£1,000 for basic-rate taxpayers and £500 for higher-rate taxpayers), HMRC issues a tax warning. This frequently occurs when savers earn more than they anticipated and interest rates are higher.
Usually, banks notify HMRC of your interest profits directly before issuing the notice. If you exceed the limit, HMRC could issue you a fee or change your tax code. To make sure you pay the taxes due on your savings income and to notify you of any unpaid taxes is the aim.
Understanding Personal Tax Allowance
The Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) is the amount of tax-free interest you can earn from your savings each tax year (April 6–April 5). Your income tax band determines your allowance:
- Basic-rate taxpayers (20%) can earn up to £1,000 in interest tax-free.
- Higher-rate taxpayers (40%) have a reduced allowance of £500.
- Additional-rate taxpayers (45%) get no allowance.
Your excess interest is taxable if it surpasses your PSA. Building societies and banks notify HMRC immediately of your interest, and HMRC may issue you a bill or change your tax code. More savers, often without realising it, are crossing the threshold in 2025 as interest rates remain high.
How Does HMRC Know About Your Savings Interest?
Banks, building societies, and other financial institutions automatically report your savings interest to HMRC. This is done annually under the UK’s automatic reporting system.
This implies that since HMRC already has the statistics, you don’t need to submit them yourself. Even if you haven’t done a Self-assessment, HMRC may change your tax code or issue a tax bill if your total interest exceeds your Personal Savings Allowance. Thus, if they’re not paying close, even passive savers could be caught off guard.
How Does HMRC Tax Your Savings Interest?
Savings interest that exceeds your Personal Savings Allowance is immediately taxed by HMRC. It operates as follows:
Through Your Tax Code: HMRC may modify your tax code to progressively collect the tax due on your savings interest over the year if you are employed or get a pension.
Self Assessment: You could have to file a Self Assessment tax return and pay the tax directly if you work for yourself or have a sizable amount of savings interest.
No Tax Deducted at Source: Banks no longer deduct tax before interest payments, unlike in the past. The entire sum is given to you, and you have to make sure that any taxes owed are paid.
What Happens If You Ignore an HMRC Tax Warning?
Major consequences may result from disregarding an HMRC tax warning. If you do nothing in return, HMRC might:
- To have taxes deducted automatically from your income, modify your tax code.
- Provide an official tax bill that includes interest or penalties for the amount that has not been paid.
- Impose late payment penalties, particularly if they think you’ve purposefully evaded payment.
- If there has been a history of non-compliance, start a tax investigation.
Verify your savings interest and take immediate action, even if the warning seems insignificant. You can prevent further fees and needless stress by taking care of the problem as soon as possible.
How to Check If You Owe Tax on Savings Interest?
Use these procedures to determine whether you owe taxes on your savings interest:
Review Your Bank Statements: Verify the total interest earned during the current tax year (April 6–April 5) by checking all of your accounts.
Add Up All Interest: Aside from current accounts, savings accounts, and even peer-to-peer loans, include interest on fixed-rate bonds.
Compare with Your Personal Savings Allowance:
- £1,000 for basic-rate taxpayers
- £500 for higher-rate taxpayers
- £0 for additional-rate taxpayers
Log in to your Tax Account: Check if tax is payable and view reported interest using HMRC’s online site.
Use a Savings Tax Calculator: Depending on your tax band and total interest, online calculators can assist you in determining if you will owe anything.
Note: If you don’t have a Personal Tax Account, you can read our article on how to set up a Personal Tax Account.
How to Legally Avoid Paying Tax on Your Savings?
In the UK, you can lower or avoid paying taxes on your savings interest in several smart and lawful ways:
Use an ISA (Individual Savings Account)
Regardless of the amount of money you save, interest generated in a Cash ISA is entirely tax-free. The maximum amount you can save in 2025 across all ISAs is £20,000 each tax year.
Split Savings Between Partners
When two people who are both basic-rate taxpayers use their Personal Savings Allowances, their tax-free interest is essentially doubled.
Use High-Interest Current Accounts Carefully
Some current accounts provide high interest on tiny deposits. Staying below the limit can be facilitated by distributing savings throughout several accounts.
Invest in Premium Bonds
NS&I Premium Bonds offer tax-free prize payouts, but returns are not certain.
Manage Your Total Taxable Income
Contributions to charities or pension plans can lower your taxable income if you’re just below the higher-rate tax bracket, which could raise your PSA.
Gift Savings to Lower-Income Family Members
Sometimes, the total tax payment can be decreased by giving money to a family member who has unused PSA and is exempt from parental tax laws.
For official details, see HMRC’s guide to tax on savings interest and NS&I Premium Bonds.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Tax Bill from HMRC?
Although receiving a tax statement from HMRC might be upsetting, you can handle the situation more skillfully if you act promptly. Here’s what you should do:
Check the Details Carefully:
- To make sure all the numbers are correct, check the bill.
- Verify the accuracy of your deductions, tax code, and income.
- Verify your paychecks, P60/P45, or Self-assessment records if something seems off.
Don’t ignore it
- Interest and fines may result from ignoring a tax bill.
- If HMRC doesn’t get payment, they could pursue enforcement action.
Contact HMRC if You Think It’s Incorrect:
- If you think there is an error, get in touch with HMRC right away to get clarification.
- You can contact them by phone or online using your Tax Account.
Pay the Bill or Set Up a Payment Plan:
- Pay the bill by the due date to avoid additional fees if it is accurate and you can afford it.
- HMRC may be able to set up a Time to Pay plan with you if you can’t pay in full, allowing you to stretch the payment over a number of months.
Seek Professional Advice if Needed:
- You can get help understanding the bill and dealing with HMRC on your behalf from a tax consultant or accountant.
- This is especially useful if you are disputing the bill or if your tax situation is complicated.
Keep All Correspondence
Maintain a record of any correspondence, emails, and phone conversations you have with HMRC, as well as any documents you have sent or received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to declare my savings interest to HMRC if I am employed and have never filed a tax return?
If you are employed and pay tax through PAYE, and your savings interest is below your Personal Savings Allowance (PSA), you usually do not need to declare it. Banks and financial institutions report your interest directly to HMRC, and if you exceed your allowance, HMRC can adjust your tax code to collect the tax automatically. However, if your interest income is high or you receive other untaxed income, you may be asked to file a Self Assessment tax retur
What types of savings accounts are subject to the savings tax?
Most interest earned from UK bank accounts, building societies, credit unions, peer-to-peer lending, fixed-rate bonds, and some investment funds is taxable. However, interest on Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) is tax-free and does not count towards your Personal Savings Allowance. It’s important to check the type of account and whether it qualifies for tax exemption
Does interest from foreign savings accounts count towards my Personal Savings Allowance (PSA)?
Yes. Interest from savings held overseas is taxable in the UK and counts towards your total savings interest for the tax year. You should declare this interest to HMRC, even if you do not receive a tax warning letter, to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
How do I check if HMRC has the correct information about my savings interest?
You can view your reported savings interest and tax code via your HMRC Personal Tax Account online. This secure portal shows the data financial institutions have submitted, your tax calculations, and any pending liabilities. Regularly reviewing this information helps catch errors early and ensures your tax affairs are accurate
What do I do if I think my reported interest or tax bill is wrong?
If you believe there is an error in your reported interest or tax bill, contact HMRC promptly. Have your bank statements and tax documents ready to support your case. You can reach HMRC by phone or through your Personal Tax Account. Resolving discrepancies early helps avoid penalties and interest charges
What happens if I do not receive any letter from HMRC by 31 March 2025 but suspect I owe tax?
If you suspect you owe tax on your savings interest but have not received any communication from HMRC by March 31, 2025, it’s important to be proactive. Contact HMRC to report your income and settle any tax due. Failing to do so may lead to fines, interest on late payments, and enforcement actions.
Conclusion
Receiving a tax bill from HMRC may initially seem stressful, but with composure and initiative, the matter can typically be handled. The most crucial step is to thoroughly go over the bill; mistakes can happen, and knowing the precise reason for the charge will help you make decisions going forward.
If the bill is correct, paying it right away or setting up a flexible payment schedule will help you avoid additional fees and stress. If you think there is a mistake, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns to HMRC; prompt and straightforward communication can frequently clear up misunderstandings.
Most importantly, remember you are not alone—support is available from HMRC and qualified professionals. If you need expert help, Coxhinkins can guide you through the process, review your situation, and help you resolve any HMRC tax issues quickly and efficiently.
Disclaimer: Kindly note this blog provides general information and should not be considered financial advice. We recommend consulting a qualified financial advisor for personalised guidance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on this content.
