Workaround for botched HMRC student loan repayment calculations
HMRC systems cannot differentiate between certain types of income which could lead to an overpayment of student loan deductions. What’s the solution?

If you make student loan repayments and you’re also within the self-assessment regime, you’ll be aware that any student loan repayments due on additional (typically non-PAYE) income are calculated and collected via your tax return. This would ordinarily be straightforward, but HMRC has confirmed that, despite student loan deductions not being due on benefits-in-kind, its systems are incorrectly including such income in the calculations. This means that affected individuals will end up paying higher student loan payments than is necessary. Therefore, if you’re in self-assessment and you have payrolled benefits in kind, such as a company car or private medical insurance, you will need to follow HMRC's guidance to ensure the student loans figure is calculated correctly. The current workaround is in place until shortcomings in HMRC systems can be addressed.
Related Topics
-
Annual accounting: how are interest and late payment penalties calculated?
If you use the annual accounting scheme, you will submit one return each year instead of four or twelve. What are the potential traps if you don’t meet the scheme conditions?
-
Is basis period reform really over and done with?
You heaved a sigh of relief after submitting your 2023/24 self-assessment tax return, especially as it meant the fiddly basis period calculations were behind you. But why might it be to your advantage to revisit them?
-
Government seeks views on inheritance tax changes for trusts
The government has opened a consultation on aspects of the application of the £1m allowance for property settled into trust qualifying for 100% agricultural property relief or business property relief. What is this looking at and how do you take part?