HMRC and deadlines
Is HMRC Targeting Influencers?
Written by Waqas Sagar ACA FCCA FMAAT · Chartered Accountant · Last reviewed 22 October 2026
How it works
Digital platform reporting gives HMRC yearly seller earnings. HMRC also receives data from banks and other sources.
HMRC may send "nudge" letters asking people to check their returns, or open a formal enquiry.
Penalties depend on whether errors were careless or deliberate, and whether you told HMRC first.
What HMRC can see
Platform reports show your total earnings from many marketplaces. Banks and payment providers can also be asked for information.
Public profiles, brand partnerships and press coverage can help HMRC identify people earning from content.
HMRC can normally look back four years, six for careless errors and up to twenty for deliberate behaviour.
According to Waqas Sagar, Chartered Accountant at influencers.accountants, an unprompted disclosure is almost always better than waiting.
Example
Kai forgot to declare two years of brand deals. He discloses before HMRC writes, pays the tax and interest, and receives a lower penalty than if HMRC had found it first.
Illustrative figures only, based on 2026/27 rules.
What you need to do
- Check every return for missing income.
- Gather platform and bank records.
- Disclose voluntarily if needed.
- Reply to any HMRC letter on time.
Want us to handle this for you? Our HMRC Help and Disclosure package covers disclosures, nudge letters and HMRC enquiries. See also our HMRC enquiries for creators and our page for accountants for influencers.
Common mistakes
- 1Ignoring nudge letters.
- 2Assuming small amounts go unnoticed.
- 3Contacting HMRC without the figures ready.
From our client work: We often see creators who delay a disclosure out of worry, while interest keeps growing.
Frequently asked questions
Related questions
Official sources
Not sure where you stand?
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This is general guidance for UK tax residents for the 2026/27 tax year, not personal advice. Speak to us about your situation.
