A private hire driver has contacted DM News with a letter from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) inquiring whether all income from Uber has been correctly declared on their Self-Assessment tax returns.
The letter, dated 4 February 2026, states that HMRC has information suggesting the driver earned:
- £40,809.48 in the 2022–2023 tax year
- £45,394.31 in the 2023–2024 tax year
The correspondence explains that if someone works as a private hire driver, they are considered self-employed for Income Tax purposes and must include all income on their tax return — including any fees retained by Uber.
HMRC states that its records suggest the income may not have been fully declared.
What HMRC Says Drivers Must Do
According to the letter seen by DM News, the deadline to amend the relevant tax returns has already passed:
- 31 January 2025 for the 2022–2023 tax year
- 31 January 2026 for the 2023–2024 tax year
Because those dates have now expired, the driver is instructed to use HMRC’s Digital Disclosure Service if income needs to be reported.
The letter outlines the following steps:
- Go to GOV.UK and search for “digital disclosure service”
- Make a voluntary disclosure to HMRC
- Include all income, gains and deductible expenses for each tax year
- Quote the reference number shown at the top of the letter
- Calculate and pay any tax, penalties and interest owed
The letter adds that if the driver has already declared all income correctly, no further action is required.
HMRC Using Platform Data?
While the letter does not explain how HMRC obtained the figures, it confirms that the tax authority has information regarding earnings from Uber specifically.
In recent years, HMRC has increased its use of third-party data and platform reporting to identify discrepancies in declared income. Private hire drivers operating via ride-hailing platforms should assume that earnings information may be shared directly with HMRC.
DM News Commentary
This is a serious reminder for all Uber and private hire drivers across the UK.
We’ve spoken to drivers in the past who didn’t realise HMRC receives income reports from Uber itself, especially those new to self-employment.
With the January deadlines now passed for the years mentioned, any corrections would need to go through HMRC’s formal disclosure process, which can involve penalties and interest.
Whether you drive full-time or part-time, it’s essential to:
- Keep detailed records
- Download annual tax summaries from Uber
- Work with an accountant who understands private hire income
- Double-check the figures are declared
This story isn’t about panic — it’s about awareness. If HMRC has data showing earnings, it will compare it to your tax return.
Drivers should take tax compliance seriously to avoid unnecessary stress, fines, or investigations later on.
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