The short version: A taxpayer is anyone who pays tax to the government. If you earn money, buy things, or own property in the UK, you’re almost certainly a taxpayer in some form.
Who counts as a UK taxpayer?
UK tax residents pay tax on their worldwide income. Non-residents pay UK tax on UK-source income. If you’re employed, self employed, receive a pension, have savings, own property, or buy goods and services, you’re paying some form of tax.
What if you don’t earn much?
You might not pay Income Tax if you’re below the Personal Allowance, but you still pay VAT when you buy things. Very few people escape tax entirely.
Do businesses count?
Yes. Companies pay Corporation Tax on profits. They also collect VAT on behalf of the government and pay employer’s National Insurance. Businesses are taxpayers with different obligations to individuals.
Questions about your tax obligations? Get in touch and we’ll help clarify things.
