I inherited a registered trade mark logo from my grandfather business. I have used it for a long time and i have a goodwill on the logo. A business competitor has copied it and using it . Which form do i need to fill to apply for  copy trademark documents?

Use form TM31R to get a certified copy of a trade mark.

Get copies of patent, trade mark or design registration documents

Overview

You can get copies of documents if you need to prove who owns or has applied for a UK patent, trade mark or design registration.

There are 2 types of copy – certified and uncertified.

Certified copy

This is an official document, also called a Certificate of the Registrar.

You need a certified copy to:

register a piece of intellectual property (IP) outside the UK

prove legal ownership of intellectual property, such as in a court case

Uncertified copy

An uncertified copy is a photocopy or digital copy of the details on the register. You can use this for research or personal use.

Request patent documents

Use patents form 23 to apply for either a certified or uncertified copy of a patent.

You must send a separate form for each certified copy you need, but you can make multiple requests on one form.

Fill in the form and post it. The address is on the form.

You can request uncertified copies of patent documents online.

How much they cost

Certified copies cost £20 each.

Uncertified copies cost £5.

Uncertified copies by email cost a £5 set fee and £1.20 per page.

Request trade marks documents

Certified copies cost £20 each.

Uncertified copies

Send an email to Intellectual Property Office (IPO) sales including:

the trade mark number

your telephone number

the address you want the photocopy sent to

Uncertified copies usually cost £5 - large documents may cost more.

After you email, you’ll get a quote and instructions on how you pay.

Request design registration documents

Use form DF23 to request a certified copy of a design registration or application.

You should use one form for each certified copy you’re requesting.

Certified copies cost £30 each.

Uncertified copies

the design number

your telephone number


I applied for a medal of service on my late husband's behalf around a month ago. The application process made me very sad and left me quite distracted on some of the details regarding the process. When should I expect to receive the medal?

You’ll usually get your medal within 12 weeks of sending the application form.

Apply for a veterans badge or a medal

Apply for a veterans badge

You can get an armed forces veterans badge if you’ve served in any of the UK armed forces - there’s no fee.

Eligibility

You can apply if you were in the:

army

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Royal Air Force (RAF)

volunteer or regular reserves

You cannot apply if you:

served in the armed forces of another country

served alongside the UK armed forces, for example in the Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

You can only apply on behalf of a veteran who’s died if you get either:

a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension

compensation under the Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP)

How to apply

Download and fill in the application for an armed forces veterans badge.

You can also call the enquiries line to get a paper application form sent to you.

You’ll need to give as much information on the form as possible, such as:

the force you served in, for example the army or Royal Navy

service number

period of service

Post the form to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office - the address is on the form. Do not send the form by email.

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You can also apply for a medal if you’re eligible.

If you lose your badge, you can apply for a replacement.

Get help

If you need to contact MOD about your veterans badge application, you can phone, fax or send an email to dbs-modmo-vetsbadge@mod.gov.uk.

You cannot apply for a veterans badge by email.

Apply for a medal

You can apply for a medal if you served in the armed forces and are eligible.

Find out the types of medal the Ministry of Defence (MOD) issues.

You can only apply for World War 1 medals if the original was returned.

Eligibility

You can apply if you were awarded a medal for service in any of the following:

the army

the Royal Navy

the Royal Marines

the Royal Air Force (RAF)

the Home Guard

the reserve forces

You must meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply on behalf of a veteran if you have lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules for the official next of kin are:

the person’s spouse or civil partner has the first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child

if there’s no spouse or child, the parent is entitled to apply

if there’s no spouse, child or parent, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

How to apply

Download and fill in the medal application form.

Apply through your unit if you’re still serving in the armed forces.

If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, you must include a copy of either your lasting power of attorney or a death certificate.

Post the form, along with any supporting documents, to the MOD Medal Office - the address is on the form. Do not send the form by email.

After you’ve applied

You can apply for a replacement medal if the original’s been stolen or accidentally destroyed, for example in a fire.

Get help

If you need to contact MOD about your medal application, email dbs-medals@mod.gov.uk.

Replace a badge or medal

You can get the first replacement veterans badge for free.

You may be able to get a replacement medal - it depends how it was lost. You’ll have to pay for the replacement medal plus a fee.

Replace a veterans badge

Follow the instructions for applying for a veterans badge - you can use the same form.

You’ll usually get your replacement veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You do not have to pay a fee if it’s the first veterans badge you’re replacing.

Replace a medal

You can only get a replacement medal from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) if it was stolen or destroyed, for example in a fire or flood. The medal must have been awarded for service after World War 1.

You’ll need to show proof by providing a copy of either a:

police crime report

successful insurance claim listing the individual items

You can also buy replacement medals from a licensed medal dealer.

How to apply

Download and fill in the medal application form to ask for a replacement medal. Post the form to the MOD Medal Office, along with:

a letter explaining how the medal was stolen or destroyed

a copy of the police report or insurance claim

The address is on the form.

Contact your unit’s human resources (HR) department if you’re currently serving in the armed forces.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a letter from the Medal Office - usually within 10 working days of when your application’s received.

You’ll be told how much the replacement will cost and how to pay if your application’s successful. The cost depends on the type of medal. It includes an administration fee.

You’ll get the replacement within 4 weeks from the Medal Office getting your payment.

Apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge

You can apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge if you:

were a Merchant Navy seafarer or fisherman

served in a vessel used to support the UK Armed Forces

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

You can only apply on behalf of a veteran who’s died if you get a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension.

How to apply

You can apply for a badge through the Merchant Navy Association.

Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

If you’re a member of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, apply for the armed forces veterans badge.

Apply for a UK merchant navy medal

You can apply for a UK merchant navy medal if you were a member of the merchant navy and you:

served in a vessel used to support the UK armed forces

How to apply

Complete the application form and send it to the address on the form. You’ll also need to send your seaman’s discharge book.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply for someone else if either:

they’ve died

you have lasting power of attorney

You must include a copy of the death certificate or your lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules are:

the person’s spouse or civil partner has first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child

if there’s no spouse or child, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a decision within 30 working days of your application being received.

Get help

Email seafarers_registry@mcga.gov.uk if you need help with your application.

Replace a lost or stolen medal

You’ll need to complete the application form if your medal is lost or has been stolen.

If you want to appeal or complain

You can write to or email the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office if you want to:

appeal a decision

complain about how you’ve been treated

You should include any new evidence you have if you make an appeal.


I own and drive a delivery van, which I have just had converted to run on LPG rather than its original diesel fuel. This should result in a reduced annual vehicle tax rate. The current vehicle taxation is not due to run out for another 6 months. Which form do I need to use to notify the DVLA of this change?

Send the form to DVLA with:

Change your vehicle's tax class

Vehicle changes that affect tax

If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

how much vehicle tax you pay

your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

the engine size (cc)

the fuel type

the weight (goods vehicles only)

the number of seats (buses only)

what you use the vehicle for, for example using a minibus for profit

You will not have to pay vehicle tax or will pay a lower rate if it’s being used by:

a disabled person

an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

the tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

the tax is not due to run out

you’re changing whether or not the vehicle is exempt from vehicle tax, for example changing a car into or out of the disabled tax class

Work out the new tax rate

You need to work out if you’ll need to pay more tax because of the change.

Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

Work out the difference between the old and new rates of your vehicle tax. For example, if the old rate is £100 and the new rate is £130, the difference is £30.

Divide the difference by the number of months you pay your tax over. For example, £30 divided by 12 months is £2.50.

Multiply this by the number of months remaining on the tax. For example, £2.50 multiplied by 4 months is £10.

Pay the extra vehicle tax. In this example you would need to pay £10 extra tax.

If the tax rate increases

You have to pay the increased rate from the first day of the month you change the tax rate in.

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Tax is not due to run out

Use form V70 to change your vehicle’s tax class if the tax is not due to run out.

You apply a different way if you’ve had a reminder letter or ‘last chance’ warning letter.

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it

a cheque or postal order made payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’ for any extra vehicle tax you have to pay - damaged or altered cheques will not be accepted

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

written proof if you’ve decreased engine size or changed fuel type, for example a new engine receipt or letter from the garage that made the change

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you do not have the V5C, download and fill in a V62 form. Send it to DVLA with the £25 fee.

Lorries and buses

You also need to send the following if they’re required for your vehicle:

a plating or weight certificate

for buses only - a certificate of initial fitness, certificate of conformity or equivalent PSV401, PSV408, PDV500 or PSV506

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You’ll get a refund if you’re due one. It will take longer than usual to send your refund because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Tax is due to run out or changing if the vehicle is exempt

Change your vehicle’s tax class at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax if either:

the vehicle tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

you’re changing whether a vehicle is exempt from vehicle tax or not, for example, it’s being used by a disabled person

If you’re eligible for a vehicle tax reduction because you’re disabled, you need to apply by post to DVLA.

What to take to the Post Office

Vehicle registration documents

Take the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name.

If you do not have one, you’ll need:

a completed application for a new registration certificate - either download form V62 or get it from the Post Office

your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

A new registration certificate is free if you have a ‘new keeper’ slip. Otherwise the cost is £25.

Other documents

You must also take:

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one

an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts, or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption

payment for vehicle tax (if you have to pay for your new tax class)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you drive a lorry or bus, you also need to take the vehicle’s latest annual test certificate or exemption (V112G).

What happens next

The Post Office sends your V5C, new keeper slip or V62 to DVLA.

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

DVLA will send you a refund if you’re due one. It will take longer than usual to send your refund because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it

Change your vehicle's tax class

Vehicle changes that affect tax

If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

how much vehicle tax you pay

your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

the engine size (cc)

the fuel type

the weight (goods vehicles only)

the number of seats (buses only)

what you use the vehicle for, for example using a minibus for profit

You will not have to pay vehicle tax or will pay a lower rate if it’s being used by:

a disabled person

an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

the tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

the tax is not due to run out

Work out the new tax rate

You need to work out if you’ll need to pay more tax because of the change.

Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

Divide the difference by the number of months you pay your tax over. For example, £30 divided by 12 months is £2.50.

Multiply this by the number of months remaining on the tax. For example, £2.50 multiplied by 4 months is £10.

Pay the extra vehicle tax. In this example you would need to pay £10 extra tax.

If the tax rate increases

You have to pay the increased rate from the first day of the month you change the tax rate in.

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Tax is not due to run out

Use form V70 to change your vehicle’s tax class if the tax is not due to run out.

You apply a different way if you’ve had a reminder letter or ‘last chance’ warning letter.

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you do not have the V5C, download and fill in a V62 form. Send it to DVLA with the £25 fee.

Lorries and buses

You also need to send the following if they’re required for your vehicle:

a plating or weight certificate

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Tax is due to run out or changing if the vehicle is exempt

Change your vehicle’s tax class at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax if either:

the vehicle tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

If you’re eligible for a vehicle tax reduction because you’re disabled, you need to apply by post to DVLA.

What to take to the Post Office

Vehicle registration documents

Take the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name.

If you do not have one, you’ll need:

a completed application for a new registration certificate - either download form V62 or get it from the Post Office

your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

A new registration certificate is free if you have a ‘new keeper’ slip. Otherwise the cost is £25.

Other documents

You must also take:

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one

an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts, or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption

payment for vehicle tax (if you have to pay for your new tax class)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

What happens next

The Post Office sends your V5C, new keeper slip or V62 to DVLA.

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Change your vehicle's tax class

Vehicle changes that affect tax

If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

how much vehicle tax you pay

your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

the engine size (cc)

the fuel type

the weight (goods vehicles only)

the number of seats (buses only)

what you use the vehicle for, for example using a minibus for profit

You will not have to pay vehicle tax or will pay a lower rate if it’s being used by:

a disabled person

an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

the tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

the tax is not due to run out

Work out the new tax rate

You need to work out if you’ll need to pay more tax because of the change.

Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

Divide the difference by the number of months you pay your tax over. For example, £30 divided by 12 months is £2.50.

Multiply this by the number of months remaining on the tax. For example, £2.50 multiplied by 4 months is £10.

Pay the extra vehicle tax. In this example you would need to pay £10 extra tax.

If the tax rate increases

You have to pay the increased rate from the first day of the month you change the tax rate in.

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Tax is not due to run out

Use form V70 to change your vehicle’s tax class if the tax is not due to run out.

You apply a different way if you’ve had a reminder letter or ‘last chance’ warning letter.

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you do not have the V5C, download and fill in a V62 form. Send it to DVLA with the £25 fee.

Lorries and buses

You also need to send the following if they’re required for your vehicle:

a plating or weight certificate

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Tax is due to run out or changing if the vehicle is exempt

Change your vehicle’s tax class at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax if either:

the vehicle tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

If you’re eligible for a vehicle tax reduction because you’re disabled, you need to apply by post to DVLA.

What to take to the Post Office

Vehicle registration documents

Take the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name.

If you do not have one, you’ll need:

a completed application for a new registration certificate - either download form V62 or get it from the Post Office

your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

A new registration certificate is free if you have a ‘new keeper’ slip. Otherwise the cost is £25.

Other documents

You must also take:

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one

an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts, or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption

payment for vehicle tax (if you have to pay for your new tax class)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

What happens next

The Post Office sends your V5C, new keeper slip or V62 to DVLA.

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

Change your vehicle's tax class

Vehicle changes that affect tax

If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

how much vehicle tax you pay

your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

the engine size (cc)

the fuel type

the weight (goods vehicles only)

the number of seats (buses only)

what you use the vehicle for, for example using a minibus for profit

You will not have to pay vehicle tax or will pay a lower rate if it’s being used by:

a disabled person

an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

the tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

the tax is not due to run out

Work out the new tax rate

You need to work out if you’ll need to pay more tax because of the change.

Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

Divide the difference by the number of months you pay your tax over. For example, £30 divided by 12 months is £2.50.

Multiply this by the number of months remaining on the tax. For example, £2.50 multiplied by 4 months is £10.

Pay the extra vehicle tax. In this example you would need to pay £10 extra tax.

If the tax rate increases

You have to pay the increased rate from the first day of the month you change the tax rate in.

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Tax is not due to run out

Use form V70 to change your vehicle’s tax class if the tax is not due to run out.

You apply a different way if you’ve had a reminder letter or ‘last chance’ warning letter.

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you do not have the V5C, download and fill in a V62 form. Send it to DVLA with the £25 fee.

Lorries and buses

You also need to send the following if they’re required for your vehicle:

a plating or weight certificate

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Tax is due to run out or changing if the vehicle is exempt

Change your vehicle’s tax class at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax if either:

the vehicle tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

If you’re eligible for a vehicle tax reduction because you’re disabled, you need to apply by post to DVLA.

What to take to the Post Office

Vehicle registration documents

Take the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name.

If you do not have one, you’ll need:

a completed application for a new registration certificate - either download form V62 or get it from the Post Office

your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

A new registration certificate is free if you have a ‘new keeper’ slip. Otherwise the cost is £25.

Other documents

You must also take:

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one

an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts, or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption

payment for vehicle tax (if you have to pay for your new tax class)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

What happens next

The Post Office sends your V5C, new keeper slip or V62 to DVLA.

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Change your vehicle's tax class

Vehicle changes that affect tax

If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

how much vehicle tax you pay

your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

the engine size (cc)

the fuel type

the weight (goods vehicles only)

the number of seats (buses only)

what you use the vehicle for, for example using a minibus for profit

You will not have to pay vehicle tax or will pay a lower rate if it’s being used by:

a disabled person

an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

the tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

the tax is not due to run out

Work out the new tax rate

You need to work out if you’ll need to pay more tax because of the change.

Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

Divide the difference by the number of months you pay your tax over. For example, £30 divided by 12 months is £2.50.

Multiply this by the number of months remaining on the tax. For example, £2.50 multiplied by 4 months is £10.

Pay the extra vehicle tax. In this example you would need to pay £10 extra tax.

If the tax rate increases

You have to pay the increased rate from the first day of the month you change the tax rate in.

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Tax is not due to run out

Use form V70 to change your vehicle’s tax class if the tax is not due to run out.

You apply a different way if you’ve had a reminder letter or ‘last chance’ warning letter.

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you do not have the V5C, download and fill in a V62 form. Send it to DVLA with the £25 fee.

Lorries and buses

You also need to send the following if they’re required for your vehicle:

a plating or weight certificate

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Tax is due to run out or changing if the vehicle is exempt

Change your vehicle’s tax class at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax if either:

the vehicle tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

If you’re eligible for a vehicle tax reduction because you’re disabled, you need to apply by post to DVLA.

What to take to the Post Office

Vehicle registration documents

Take the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name.

If you do not have one, you’ll need:

a completed application for a new registration certificate - either download form V62 or get it from the Post Office

your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

A new registration certificate is free if you have a ‘new keeper’ slip. Otherwise the cost is £25.

Other documents

You must also take:

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one

an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts, or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption

payment for vehicle tax (if you have to pay for your new tax class)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

What happens next

The Post Office sends your V5C, new keeper slip or V62 to DVLA.

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Change your vehicle's tax class

Vehicle changes that affect tax

If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

how much vehicle tax you pay

your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

the engine size (cc)

the fuel type

the weight (goods vehicles only)

the number of seats (buses only)

what you use the vehicle for, for example using a minibus for profit

You will not have to pay vehicle tax or will pay a lower rate if it’s being used by:

a disabled person

an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

the tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

the tax is not due to run out

Work out the new tax rate

You need to work out if you’ll need to pay more tax because of the change.

Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

Divide the difference by the number of months you pay your tax over. For example, £30 divided by 12 months is £2.50.

Multiply this by the number of months remaining on the tax. For example, £2.50 multiplied by 4 months is £10.

Pay the extra vehicle tax. In this example you would need to pay £10 extra tax.

If the tax rate increases

You have to pay the increased rate from the first day of the month you change the tax rate in.

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Tax is not due to run out

Use form V70 to change your vehicle’s tax class if the tax is not due to run out.

You apply a different way if you’ve had a reminder letter or ‘last chance’ warning letter.

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you do not have the V5C, download and fill in a V62 form. Send it to DVLA with the £25 fee.

Lorries and buses

You also need to send the following if they’re required for your vehicle:

a plating or weight certificate

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Tax is due to run out or changing if the vehicle is exempt

Change your vehicle’s tax class at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax if either:

the vehicle tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

If you’re eligible for a vehicle tax reduction because you’re disabled, you need to apply by post to DVLA.

What to take to the Post Office

Vehicle registration documents

Take the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name.

If you do not have one, you’ll need:

a completed application for a new registration certificate - either download form V62 or get it from the Post Office

your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

A new registration certificate is free if you have a ‘new keeper’ slip. Otherwise the cost is £25.

Other documents

You must also take:

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one

an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts, or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption

payment for vehicle tax (if you have to pay for your new tax class)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

What happens next

The Post Office sends your V5C, new keeper slip or V62 to DVLA.

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

If you do not have the V5C, download and fill in a V62 form. Send it to DVLA with the £25 fee.

Change your vehicle's tax class

Vehicle changes that affect tax

If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

how much vehicle tax you pay

your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

the engine size (cc)

the fuel type

the weight (goods vehicles only)

the number of seats (buses only)

what you use the vehicle for, for example using a minibus for profit

You will not have to pay vehicle tax or will pay a lower rate if it’s being used by:

a disabled person

an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

the tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

the tax is not due to run out

Work out the new tax rate

You need to work out if you’ll need to pay more tax because of the change.

Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

Divide the difference by the number of months you pay your tax over. For example, £30 divided by 12 months is £2.50.

Multiply this by the number of months remaining on the tax. For example, £2.50 multiplied by 4 months is £10.

Pay the extra vehicle tax. In this example you would need to pay £10 extra tax.

If the tax rate increases

You have to pay the increased rate from the first day of the month you change the tax rate in.

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Tax is not due to run out

Use form V70 to change your vehicle’s tax class if the tax is not due to run out.

You apply a different way if you’ve had a reminder letter or ‘last chance’ warning letter.

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you do not have the V5C, download and fill in a V62 form. Send it to DVLA with the £25 fee.

Lorries and buses

You also need to send the following if they’re required for your vehicle:

a plating or weight certificate

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Tax is due to run out or changing if the vehicle is exempt

Change your vehicle’s tax class at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax if either:

the vehicle tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

If you’re eligible for a vehicle tax reduction because you’re disabled, you need to apply by post to DVLA.

What to take to the Post Office

Vehicle registration documents

Take the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name.

If you do not have one, you’ll need:

a completed application for a new registration certificate - either download form V62 or get it from the Post Office

your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

A new registration certificate is free if you have a ‘new keeper’ slip. Otherwise the cost is £25.

Other documents

You must also take:

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one

an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts, or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption

payment for vehicle tax (if you have to pay for your new tax class)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you drive a lorry or bus, you also need to take the vehicle’s latest annual test certificate or exemption (V112G).

What happens next

The Post Office sends your V5C, new keeper slip or V62 to DVLA.

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.


My family owns a house in a high flood risk area near a river bank. There is a water surge increase due to heavy rainfall. Part of our garden has been completely destroyed. Where can we get a low cost home  insurance?

You can:

Prepare for flooding

If you’re about to be flooded

Check the National Flood Forum or speak to a Floodline adviser to find out how to stay safe during a flood.

You can check if there’s currently a flood warning in your area.

Sandbags

Contact your local council to find out where to get sandbags. You can also get them from some DIY or building supplies shops.

If you need to travel

Check flood warnings and road travel information.

Protect yourself from future flooding

Plan how you’ll respond to a flood. Use a template to make a:

personal flood plan

community or group flood plan - if you’re responsible for an organisation such as a school, hospital, care home or community group

business flood plan

Protect your property

You can:

get advice from the National Flood Forum about how to protect your property and how much this will cost

find flood protection products and services at Blue Pages

You may need permission to do work that will affect the flow of a river or divert flood water.

If you own a riverside property

If you own property next to a watercourse, for example a river, culvert, brook or mill stream, you must:

maintain river beds and banks

not obstruct the water flow

Read guidance on the rights and responsibilities of owning a riverside property.

Contact the Environment Agency if you have questions about your responsibilities.

If your property’s next to a canal

Contact the Canal and River Trust to check who’s responsible for maintaining the canal.

If you have a disability or need extra help

Ask your council if you can be put on a list to get extra help during a flood.

Citizens Advice can help make sure you’ll get support if your energy supply is affected.

Ask Floodline to send flood warnings to a friend or relative on your behalf.

Get insurance

You can:

find lower-cost home insurance through Flood Re if you’re in a flood-risk area

get insurance advice from the National Flood Forum

find a broker that specialises in properties that are difficult to insure

Get evidence of flood risk

Contact the Environment Agency if your insurer asks for evidence of your flood risk.

You’ll get a letter within 20 days. It’s free for individuals and businesses.

If you’ve done work on your property

You or a surveyor can complete a Flood Risk Report. This will tell insurers or buyers how the work has reduced the flood risk.

Prepare for flooding

If you’re about to be flooded

You can check if there’s currently a flood warning in your area.

Sandbags

If you need to travel

Check flood warnings and road travel information.

Protect yourself from future flooding

Plan how you’ll respond to a flood. Use a template to make a:

personal flood plan

business flood plan

Protect your property

You can:

find flood protection products and services at Blue Pages

If you own a riverside property

maintain river beds and banks

not obstruct the water flow

If your property’s next to a canal

If you have a disability or need extra help

Get insurance

You can:

get insurance advice from the National Flood Forum

find a broker that specialises in properties that are difficult to insure

Get evidence of flood risk

If you’ve done work on your property

Prepare for flooding

If you’re about to be flooded

You can check if there’s currently a flood warning in your area.

Sandbags

If you need to travel

Check flood warnings and road travel information.

Protect yourself from future flooding

Plan how you’ll respond to a flood. Use a template to make a:

personal flood plan

business flood plan

Protect your property

You can:

find flood protection products and services at Blue Pages

If you own a riverside property

maintain river beds and banks

not obstruct the water flow

If your property’s next to a canal

If you have a disability or need extra help

Get insurance

You can:

get insurance advice from the National Flood Forum

find a broker that specialises in properties that are difficult to insure

Get evidence of flood risk

If you’ve done work on your property

Prepare for flooding

If you’re about to be flooded

You can check if there’s currently a flood warning in your area.

Sandbags

If you need to travel

Check flood warnings and road travel information.

Protect yourself from future flooding

Plan how you’ll respond to a flood. Use a template to make a:

personal flood plan

business flood plan

Protect your property

You can:

find flood protection products and services at Blue Pages

If you own a riverside property

maintain river beds and banks

not obstruct the water flow

If your property’s next to a canal

If you have a disability or need extra help

Get insurance

You can:

get insurance advice from the National Flood Forum

find a broker that specialises in properties that are difficult to insure

Get evidence of flood risk

If you’ve done work on your property


I am a vessel master with a category A vessel. I have held a Boatmasters' Licence previously, but this has now expired. I am about to renew my Boatmasters' licence. Are there any costs relating to the renewal?

Renewing your licence

Boatmasters' licence

Check if you need a licence

You must have a boatmasters’ licence if you’re the master of certain vessels on:

inland waters in categories A to D, such as canals, rivers, lakes and some estuaries

‘limited’ coastal area operations - no more than 5 miles from the land and 15 miles from where your vessel sets off or arrives

You may be prosecuted and fined for not having the right boatmasters’ licence.

Find out what types and class of vessels can operate on UK inland waters.

When you do not need a licence

You do not need a boatmasters’ licence if you’re in charge of:

a pleasure vessel, including hire boats used as pleasure vessels

fishing vessels

Using alternative certificates

Some certificates can be used instead of a boatmasters’ licence, including STCW certificates of competency and certificates awarded by the Royal Yachting Association.

If you have an alternative certificate, you must:

check if you need a paper endorsement or a boat handling test - read sections 3 and 4 of the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice

download and fill in the application form and send it to your nearest marine office

pay the right fees

Before you apply

Read the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice to find out:

which vessels you need a boatmasters’ licence for

what kinds of boatmasters’ licence you can apply for

what you need to apply for a boatmasters’ licence

what you need to revalidate a boatmasters’ licence

alternative qualifications you can have instead of a boatmasters’ licence

information on local knowledge requirements

You should also:

keep records of relevant work and training for your licence application

check for local regulations, such as byelaws that you may need to know

check that you have safety training from an approved training provider

How to apply

You’ll need to:

read the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice

download the application form for a boatmasters’ licence

pay the right fees

Replacing your licence

Download the application form for a replacement boatmasters’ licence.

Replacing your licence costs £23.

Renewing your licence

Your boatmasters’ licence usually lasts 5 years.

Renewing your licence costs £31.

Download the boatmasters’ licence renewal application form. Send it to the address on the form.

Upgrading your licence

Download the form to upgrade your licence, or add another area to your licence.

The fee for upgrading your licence can vary.

Exemptions under the 2006 Boatmasters' Regulations

You need to apply for a ‘Tier 2 Level 2’ licence before your exemption expires if you want to keep working. This will cover all the areas described on your exemption certificate.

You may be prosecuted and fined for not having the right boatmasters’ licence when your exemption expires.

How to apply

If you have an exemption certificate and want to continue working, you must:

check if you can apply for a Tier 2 boatmasters’ licence by reading section 22 of the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice

pay the right fees

Boatmasters' licence

Check if you need a licence

When you do not need a licence

You do not need a boatmasters’ licence if you’re in charge of:

fishing vessels

Using alternative certificates

If you have an alternative certificate, you must:

pay the right fees

Before you apply

which vessels you need a boatmasters’ licence for

what kinds of boatmasters’ licence you can apply for

what you need to apply for a boatmasters’ licence

what you need to revalidate a boatmasters’ licence

information on local knowledge requirements

You should also:

How to apply

You’ll need to:

read the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice

download the application form for a boatmasters’ licence

pay the right fees

Replacing your licence

Replacing your licence costs £23.

Renewing your licence

Your boatmasters’ licence usually lasts 5 years.

Renewing your licence costs £31.

Upgrading your licence

The fee for upgrading your licence can vary.

Exemptions under the 2006 Boatmasters' Regulations

How to apply

pay the right fees

Renewing your licence costs £31.

Boatmasters' licence

Check if you need a licence

When you do not need a licence

You do not need a boatmasters’ licence if you’re in charge of:

fishing vessels

Using alternative certificates

If you have an alternative certificate, you must:

pay the right fees

Before you apply

which vessels you need a boatmasters’ licence for

what kinds of boatmasters’ licence you can apply for

what you need to apply for a boatmasters’ licence

what you need to revalidate a boatmasters’ licence

information on local knowledge requirements

You should also:

How to apply

You’ll need to:

read the boatmasters’ qualifications and hours of work notice

download the application form for a boatmasters’ licence

pay the right fees

Replacing your licence

Replacing your licence costs £23.

Renewing your licence

Your boatmasters’ licence usually lasts 5 years.

Renewing your licence costs £31.

Upgrading your licence

The fee for upgrading your licence can vary.

Exemptions under the 2006 Boatmasters' Regulations

How to apply

pay the right fees


I am 74 and have a substantial private pension - and the state pension - which I have previously paid a lot of tax on.  I have recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness and might have less than a year to live. Does my diagnosis make a difference to the tax I pay on my pension? I would like to leave as much for my children to inherit as possible.

You may be able to take all the money in your pension as a tax-free lump sum, if all of the following apply:

Tax when you get a pension

What’s taxed

You pay tax if your total annual income adds up to more than your Personal Allowance. Find out about your Personal Allowance and Income Tax rates.

Your total income could include:

the State Pension you get (either the basic State Pension or the new State Pension)

Additional State Pension

a private pension (workplace or personal) - you can take some of this tax-free

earnings from employment or self-employment

any taxable benefits you get

any other income, such as money from investments, property or savings

You may have to pay Income Tax at a higher rate if you take a large amount from a private pension. You may also owe extra tax at the end of the tax year.

If your private pensions total more than £1,073,100

You usually pay a tax charge if the total value of your private pensions is more than £1,073,100. Your pension provider will take off the charge before you get your payment.

Tax if someone inherits your pension

Other rules apply if someone inherits your State pension or your private pension.

What's tax-free

You won’t usually pay any tax if your total annual income adds up to less than your Personal Allowance.

Lump sums from your pension

You can usually take up to 25% of the amount built up in any pension as a tax-free lump sum. The tax-free lump sum doesn’t affect your Personal Allowance.

Tax is taken off the remaining amount before you get it.

When you can take your pension depends on your pension’s rules. It’s usually 55 at the earliest.

You might have to pay Income Tax at a higher rate if you take a large amount from your pension. You could also owe extra tax at the end of the tax year.

How you can take your pension

A pension worth up to £10,000

You can usually take any pension worth up to £10,000 in one go. This is called a ‘small pot’ lump sum. If you take this option, 25% is tax-free.

You can usually get:

up to 3 small pot lump sums from different personal pensions

unlimited small pot lump sums from different workplace pensions

A pension worth up to £30,000 that includes a defined benefit pension

If you have £30,000 or less in all of your private pensions, you can usually take everything you have in your defined benefit pension or defined contribution pension as a ‘trivial commutation’ lump sum. If you take this option, 25% is tax-free.

If this lump sum is paid from more than one pension, you must:

have your savings in each scheme valued by the provider on the same day, no more than 3 months before you get the first payment

get all payments within 12 months of the first payment

If you take payments from a pension before taking the rest as a lump sum, you pay tax on the whole lump sum.

Cash from a defined contribution pension

Check with your provider about how you can take money from a defined contribution pension. You can take:

all the money built up in your pension as cash - up to 25% is tax-free

smaller cash sums from your pension - up to 25% of each sum is tax-free

You may have to pay a tax charge on money you put into your pension after you withdraw cash.

If your life expectancy is less than a year

You may be able to take all the money in your pension as a tax-free lump sum, if all of the following apply:

you’re expected to live less than a year because of serious illness

you’re under 75

you don’t have more than the lifetime allowance of £1,073,100 in pension savings

If you’re over 75 you’ll pay Income Tax on the lump sum.

Check with your pension provider. Some pension funds will keep at least 50% of your pension for your spouse or civil partner.

How your tax is paid

If you get the State Pension and a private pension

Your pension provider will take off any tax you owe before they pay you. They’ll also take off any tax you owe on your State Pension.

If you get payments from more than one provider (for example, from a workplace pension and a personal pension), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will ask one of your providers to take the tax off your State Pension.

At the end of the tax year you’ll get a P60 from your pension provider showing how much tax you’ve paid.

If the State Pension is your only income

You’re responsible for paying any tax you owe. Fill in and send a Self Assessment tax return if you owe anything.

If you started getting your pension on or after 6 April 2016, don’t send a tax return. HMRC will write to tell you what you owe and how to pay.

If you continue to work

Your employer will take any tax due off your earnings and your State Pension. This is called Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

If you’re self-employed you must fill in a Self Assessment tax return at the end of the tax year. You must declare your overall income, including the State Pension and money from private pensions, for example your workplace pension.

If you have other income

You’re responsible for paying any tax you owe on income other than money from your pensions. You might have to fill in a Self Assessment tax return.

You can claim a tax refund if you’ve paid too much tax.

Tax codes

If your income only comes from one source you’ll usually have one tax code.

You can have several tax codes if you have income from more than one source.

You can get your tax code corrected if you think it’s wrong.

Tax when you live abroad

If you live abroad but are classed as a UK resident for tax purposes, you may have to pay UK tax on your pension. The amount you pay depends on your income.

If you’re not a UK resident, you don’t usually pay UK tax on your pension. But you might have to pay tax in the country you live in. There are a few exceptions - for example, UK civil service pensions will always be taxed in the UK.

Double tax

If you live in a country without a ‘double taxation agreement’ with the UK, you might have to pay tax in both countries.

Higher tax on unauthorised payments

You’ll pay up to 55% tax on payments from your pension provider if they make an ‘unauthorised payment’. This is a payment made outside of the government’s tax rules and usually includes:

any payments before you’re 55 (there are exceptions)

a ‘trivial commutation’ lump sum of over £30,000

regular payments into your account after you’ve died

Some companies advertise personal loans or cash advances if you take your pension early. These payments are unauthorised and you have to pay tax on them.

you’re expected to live less than a year because of serious illness

Tax when you get a pension

What’s taxed

Your total income could include:

the State Pension you get (either the basic State Pension or the new State Pension)

Additional State Pension

a private pension (workplace or personal) - you can take some of this tax-free

earnings from employment or self-employment

any taxable benefits you get

any other income, such as money from investments, property or savings

If your private pensions total more than £1,073,100

Tax if someone inherits your pension

Other rules apply if someone inherits your State pension or your private pension.

What's tax-free

You won’t usually pay any tax if your total annual income adds up to less than your Personal Allowance.

Lump sums from your pension

Tax is taken off the remaining amount before you get it.

When you can take your pension depends on your pension’s rules. It’s usually 55 at the earliest.

How you can take your pension

A pension worth up to £10,000

You can usually take any pension worth up to £10,000 in one go. This is called a ‘small pot’ lump sum. If you take this option, 25% is tax-free.

You can usually get:

up to 3 small pot lump sums from different personal pensions

unlimited small pot lump sums from different workplace pensions

A pension worth up to £30,000 that includes a defined benefit pension

If this lump sum is paid from more than one pension, you must:

have your savings in each scheme valued by the provider on the same day, no more than 3 months before you get the first payment

get all payments within 12 months of the first payment

If you take payments from a pension before taking the rest as a lump sum, you pay tax on the whole lump sum.

Cash from a defined contribution pension

Check with your provider about how you can take money from a defined contribution pension. You can take:

all the money built up in your pension as cash - up to 25% is tax-free

smaller cash sums from your pension - up to 25% of each sum is tax-free

You may have to pay a tax charge on money you put into your pension after you withdraw cash.

If your life expectancy is less than a year

You may be able to take all the money in your pension as a tax-free lump sum, if all of the following apply:

you’re expected to live less than a year because of serious illness

you’re under 75

you don’t have more than the lifetime allowance of £1,073,100 in pension savings

If you’re over 75 you’ll pay Income Tax on the lump sum.

Check with your pension provider. Some pension funds will keep at least 50% of your pension for your spouse or civil partner.

How your tax is paid

If you get the State Pension and a private pension

Your pension provider will take off any tax you owe before they pay you. They’ll also take off any tax you owe on your State Pension.

At the end of the tax year you’ll get a P60 from your pension provider showing how much tax you’ve paid.

If the State Pension is your only income

You’re responsible for paying any tax you owe. Fill in and send a Self Assessment tax return if you owe anything.

If you started getting your pension on or after 6 April 2016, don’t send a tax return. HMRC will write to tell you what you owe and how to pay.

If you continue to work

Your employer will take any tax due off your earnings and your State Pension. This is called Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

If you have other income

You can claim a tax refund if you’ve paid too much tax.

Tax codes

If your income only comes from one source you’ll usually have one tax code.

You can have several tax codes if you have income from more than one source.

You can get your tax code corrected if you think it’s wrong.

Tax when you live abroad

Double tax

If you live in a country without a ‘double taxation agreement’ with the UK, you might have to pay tax in both countries.

Higher tax on unauthorised payments

any payments before you’re 55 (there are exceptions)

a ‘trivial commutation’ lump sum of over £30,000

regular payments into your account after you’ve died

you’re under 75

Tax when you get a pension

What’s taxed

Your total income could include:

the State Pension you get (either the basic State Pension or the new State Pension)

Additional State Pension

a private pension (workplace or personal) - you can take some of this tax-free

earnings from employment or self-employment

any taxable benefits you get

any other income, such as money from investments, property or savings

If your private pensions total more than £1,073,100

Tax if someone inherits your pension

Other rules apply if someone inherits your State pension or your private pension.

What's tax-free

You won’t usually pay any tax if your total annual income adds up to less than your Personal Allowance.

Lump sums from your pension

Tax is taken off the remaining amount before you get it.

When you can take your pension depends on your pension’s rules. It’s usually 55 at the earliest.

How you can take your pension

A pension worth up to £10,000

You can usually take any pension worth up to £10,000 in one go. This is called a ‘small pot’ lump sum. If you take this option, 25% is tax-free.

You can usually get:

up to 3 small pot lump sums from different personal pensions

unlimited small pot lump sums from different workplace pensions

A pension worth up to £30,000 that includes a defined benefit pension

If this lump sum is paid from more than one pension, you must:

have your savings in each scheme valued by the provider on the same day, no more than 3 months before you get the first payment

get all payments within 12 months of the first payment

If you take payments from a pension before taking the rest as a lump sum, you pay tax on the whole lump sum.

Cash from a defined contribution pension

Check with your provider about how you can take money from a defined contribution pension. You can take:

all the money built up in your pension as cash - up to 25% is tax-free

smaller cash sums from your pension - up to 25% of each sum is tax-free

You may have to pay a tax charge on money you put into your pension after you withdraw cash.

If your life expectancy is less than a year

You may be able to take all the money in your pension as a tax-free lump sum, if all of the following apply:

you’re expected to live less than a year because of serious illness

you’re under 75

you don’t have more than the lifetime allowance of £1,073,100 in pension savings

If you’re over 75 you’ll pay Income Tax on the lump sum.

Check with your pension provider. Some pension funds will keep at least 50% of your pension for your spouse or civil partner.

How your tax is paid

If you get the State Pension and a private pension

Your pension provider will take off any tax you owe before they pay you. They’ll also take off any tax you owe on your State Pension.

At the end of the tax year you’ll get a P60 from your pension provider showing how much tax you’ve paid.

If the State Pension is your only income

You’re responsible for paying any tax you owe. Fill in and send a Self Assessment tax return if you owe anything.

If you started getting your pension on or after 6 April 2016, don’t send a tax return. HMRC will write to tell you what you owe and how to pay.

If you continue to work

Your employer will take any tax due off your earnings and your State Pension. This is called Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

If you have other income

You can claim a tax refund if you’ve paid too much tax.

Tax codes

If your income only comes from one source you’ll usually have one tax code.

You can have several tax codes if you have income from more than one source.

You can get your tax code corrected if you think it’s wrong.

Tax when you live abroad

Double tax

If you live in a country without a ‘double taxation agreement’ with the UK, you might have to pay tax in both countries.

Higher tax on unauthorised payments

any payments before you’re 55 (there are exceptions)

a ‘trivial commutation’ lump sum of over £30,000

regular payments into your account after you’ve died

you don’t have more than the lifetime allowance of £1,073,100 in pension savings

Tax when you get a pension

What’s taxed

Your total income could include:

the State Pension you get (either the basic State Pension or the new State Pension)

Additional State Pension

a private pension (workplace or personal) - you can take some of this tax-free

earnings from employment or self-employment

any taxable benefits you get

any other income, such as money from investments, property or savings

If your private pensions total more than £1,073,100

Tax if someone inherits your pension

Other rules apply if someone inherits your State pension or your private pension.

What's tax-free

You won’t usually pay any tax if your total annual income adds up to less than your Personal Allowance.

Lump sums from your pension

Tax is taken off the remaining amount before you get it.

When you can take your pension depends on your pension’s rules. It’s usually 55 at the earliest.

How you can take your pension

A pension worth up to £10,000

You can usually take any pension worth up to £10,000 in one go. This is called a ‘small pot’ lump sum. If you take this option, 25% is tax-free.

You can usually get:

up to 3 small pot lump sums from different personal pensions

unlimited small pot lump sums from different workplace pensions

A pension worth up to £30,000 that includes a defined benefit pension

If this lump sum is paid from more than one pension, you must:

have your savings in each scheme valued by the provider on the same day, no more than 3 months before you get the first payment

get all payments within 12 months of the first payment

If you take payments from a pension before taking the rest as a lump sum, you pay tax on the whole lump sum.

Cash from a defined contribution pension

Check with your provider about how you can take money from a defined contribution pension. You can take:

all the money built up in your pension as cash - up to 25% is tax-free

smaller cash sums from your pension - up to 25% of each sum is tax-free

You may have to pay a tax charge on money you put into your pension after you withdraw cash.

If your life expectancy is less than a year

You may be able to take all the money in your pension as a tax-free lump sum, if all of the following apply:

you’re expected to live less than a year because of serious illness

you’re under 75

you don’t have more than the lifetime allowance of £1,073,100 in pension savings

If you’re over 75 you’ll pay Income Tax on the lump sum.

Check with your pension provider. Some pension funds will keep at least 50% of your pension for your spouse or civil partner.

How your tax is paid

If you get the State Pension and a private pension

Your pension provider will take off any tax you owe before they pay you. They’ll also take off any tax you owe on your State Pension.

At the end of the tax year you’ll get a P60 from your pension provider showing how much tax you’ve paid.

If the State Pension is your only income

You’re responsible for paying any tax you owe. Fill in and send a Self Assessment tax return if you owe anything.

If you started getting your pension on or after 6 April 2016, don’t send a tax return. HMRC will write to tell you what you owe and how to pay.

If you continue to work

Your employer will take any tax due off your earnings and your State Pension. This is called Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

If you have other income

You can claim a tax refund if you’ve paid too much tax.

Tax codes

If your income only comes from one source you’ll usually have one tax code.

You can have several tax codes if you have income from more than one source.

You can get your tax code corrected if you think it’s wrong.

Tax when you live abroad

Double tax

If you live in a country without a ‘double taxation agreement’ with the UK, you might have to pay tax in both countries.

Higher tax on unauthorised payments

any payments before you’re 55 (there are exceptions)

a ‘trivial commutation’ lump sum of over £30,000

regular payments into your account after you’ve died

Check with your pension provider. Some pension funds will keep at least 50% of your pension for your spouse or civil partner.

Tax when you get a pension

What’s taxed

You pay tax if your total annual income adds up to more than your Personal Allowance. Find out about your Personal Allowance and Income Tax rates.

Your total income could include:

the State Pension you get (either the basic State Pension or the new State Pension)

Additional State Pension

a private pension (workplace or personal) - you can take some of this tax-free

earnings from employment or self-employment

any taxable benefits you get

any other income, such as money from investments, property or savings

If your private pensions total more than £1,073,100

Tax if someone inherits your pension

Other rules apply if someone inherits your State pension or your private pension.

What's tax-free

You won’t usually pay any tax if your total annual income adds up to less than your Personal Allowance.

Lump sums from your pension

Tax is taken off the remaining amount before you get it.

When you can take your pension depends on your pension’s rules. It’s usually 55 at the earliest.

How you can take your pension

A pension worth up to £10,000

You can usually take any pension worth up to £10,000 in one go. This is called a ‘small pot’ lump sum. If you take this option, 25% is tax-free.

You can usually get:

up to 3 small pot lump sums from different personal pensions

unlimited small pot lump sums from different workplace pensions

A pension worth up to £30,000 that includes a defined benefit pension

If this lump sum is paid from more than one pension, you must:

have your savings in each scheme valued by the provider on the same day, no more than 3 months before you get the first payment

get all payments within 12 months of the first payment

If you take payments from a pension before taking the rest as a lump sum, you pay tax on the whole lump sum.

Cash from a defined contribution pension

Check with your provider about how you can take money from a defined contribution pension. You can take:

all the money built up in your pension as cash - up to 25% is tax-free

smaller cash sums from your pension - up to 25% of each sum is tax-free

You may have to pay a tax charge on money you put into your pension after you withdraw cash.

If your life expectancy is less than a year

You may be able to take all the money in your pension as a tax-free lump sum, if all of the following apply:

you’re expected to live less than a year because of serious illness

you’re under 75

you don’t have more than the lifetime allowance of £1,073,100 in pension savings

If you’re over 75 you’ll pay Income Tax on the lump sum.

Check with your pension provider. Some pension funds will keep at least 50% of your pension for your spouse or civil partner.

How your tax is paid

If you get the State Pension and a private pension

Your pension provider will take off any tax you owe before they pay you. They’ll also take off any tax you owe on your State Pension.

At the end of the tax year you’ll get a P60 from your pension provider showing how much tax you’ve paid.

If the State Pension is your only income

You’re responsible for paying any tax you owe. Fill in and send a Self Assessment tax return if you owe anything.

If you started getting your pension on or after 6 April 2016, don’t send a tax return. HMRC will write to tell you what you owe and how to pay.

If you continue to work

Your employer will take any tax due off your earnings and your State Pension. This is called Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

If you have other income

You can claim a tax refund if you’ve paid too much tax.

Tax codes

If your income only comes from one source you’ll usually have one tax code.

You can have several tax codes if you have income from more than one source.

You can get your tax code corrected if you think it’s wrong.

Tax when you live abroad

Double tax

If you live in a country without a ‘double taxation agreement’ with the UK, you might have to pay tax in both countries.

Higher tax on unauthorised payments

any payments before you’re 55 (there are exceptions)

a ‘trivial commutation’ lump sum of over £30,000

regular payments into your account after you’ve died


I am interested in purchasing a property in a village in Somerset, and have been assured by the estate agent handling it that the property has increased substantially in value since it last changed hands. I have tried to verify this myself by consulting the land registry, but cannot find a corresponding entry in the online register! Is there a way that I can consult the index map directly, to see if this information does in fact exist?

Ask for a search of the index map if a property doesn’t come up on a search of the register.

Get information about property and land

Overview

You can get information about registered property or land in England and Wales, even if you do not own it.

The type of information you can get includes the:

title register - who owns the property or land, and any rights of way

title number - the unique number given to a property or piece of land

title plan - the property or land’s location and boundaries

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Search the land and property register

Get copies of title register and title plan by searching the register.

Search the land and property index map

Get a copy of the deeds

You may be able to find out current and past information about a registered property, such as its previous owners by requesting a copy of the deeds.

Search property prices

Get information about property prices by searching the house price index and the price paid data service.

Search the register

HM Land Registry holds records about most property or land sold in England or Wales since 1993, including the title register, title plan and title summary.

Search the online register

Search the register by address or location.

If a property does not appear in a search, it may be filed under the wrong address. Ask for a search of the index map instead.

Title register

The title register has details about the property or land (in a PDF). It includes:

the title number

who owns it

what they paid for it (properties only, if available)

any rights of way

whether a mortgage on it has been ‘discharged’, for example paid off

Title summary

The title summary (viewable online) includes:

the title number

who owns it

what they paid for it

whether the property is freehold or leasehold (known as ‘tenure’)

the lender’s name and address (if there is a mortgage on the property)

The lease will have more information if the property is a leasehold.

Title plan

The title plan is a map showing:

the property’s location

the general boundaries - there’s usually no record of exact boundaries

Buy copies of the information

You can download online copies of the information for a fee but you cannot use them as proof of ownership.

To get copies to use as proof of ownership (for example, in a court case) order official copies.

Ordering official copies

Download and fill in an application for official copies of documents and send it to HM Land Registry with your fee.

Your copies will arrive in less than a week.

Fees

Document | Fee

Title register (online copy) | £3

Title plan (online copy) | £2.50 (£3 with VAT)

Title register (official copy) | £7

Title plan (official copy) | £7

Rights over adjoining land and property boundaries

The title register may give you details about rights over adjoining land. Apply for a copy of the deeds if you need more information.

Title plans only give general boundary information. There’s usually no record of exact boundaries.

Get historical title registers

You may be able to find out who owned the property before the current owner from a historical title register. It can also be useful if you’re trying to find out how old a property is.

Ask HM Land Registry to search who owned the property for a specific date or multiple dates.

For properties registered before 1993

Contact HM Land Registry with the:

title number or address of the property

date or dates you’re applying for

They’ll search their records and tell you if they have a copy, and how to apply for it.

For properties registered after 1993

Download and fill in form HC1. Send the form to HM Land Registry along with £7 for each date you’re applying for.

The results of your search will arrive in less than a week.

If you do not know the date you’re searching for, contact HM Land Registry.

Search the index map

The index map contains information on all land and property that’s registered or being registered with HM Land Registry.

Use it to find the title number of a property that does not appear in a search of the register.

Some properties do not appear in a search of the register because the property boundaries have changed since it was registered, or the property address has been spelled incorrectly, for example.

How to search

You cannot search the map yourself.

You should provide the address of the land or property (if it has one). If the land or property cannot be identified by the address you can provide:

a plan which clearly identifies the land or property

an Ordnance Survey map reference for the land or property

Download and fill in the application form and send it to HM Land Registry.

HM Land Registry will send you the search results, including the title number or numbers under which the land or property is registered. You can use them to search the register.

The search will also confirm if the property or land is unregistered.

How much it costs

It costs £4 to search an area covering up to 5 registered titles.

If your search covers more than 5 titles, HM Land Registry will contact you with an updated fee. You’ll be charged £2 for groups of 10 additional titles.

How long it takes

If you’re searching the index map to apply for home rights

You must write ‘This search is being made solely for the purposes of the Family Law Act 1996’ across the top of the application form.

Get a copy of the deeds

You may be able to find out current and past information about a registered property, such as its previous owners in the deeds.

The register may give more details about rights over adjoining land.

HM Land Registry does not store original paper deeds.

How to request a copy of the deeds

Find out if the property or land is registered.

Pay £3 to download a copy of the title register. If the deeds are marked as ‘filed’ in the register then HM Land Registry has a scanned copy.

Fill in the deeds request form using the property’s title number from the title register.

Your search may return no results if HM Land Registry does not hold a scanned copy of the deeds.

The deeds could be made up of several documents. Each official copy of a document costs £7.

Send your completed form and payment to HM Land Registry.

Copies of deeds cannot be used to prove ownership, for example in a court case. Get official copies of the title register instead.

If you’re a business

Register for business e-services if you’re a business that needs to manage multiple searches and download multiple copies of documents.

Search for property prices

You can search for how much a property sold for in England or Wales.

You can correct information about the sale price if you find any incorrect records.

You can also search UK house price averages by region, county or local authority on the house price index.

Use it to find the title number of a property that does not appear in a search of the register.

Get information about property and land

Overview

The type of information you can get includes the:

title register - who owns the property or land, and any rights of way

title number - the unique number given to a property or piece of land

title plan - the property or land’s location and boundaries

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Search the land and property register

Get copies of title register and title plan by searching the register.

Search the land and property index map

Ask for a search of the index map if a property doesn’t come up on a search of the register.

Get a copy of the deeds

Search property prices

Search the register

Search the online register

Search the register by address or location.

Title register

The title register has details about the property or land (in a PDF). It includes:

the title number

who owns it

what they paid for it (properties only, if available)

any rights of way

whether a mortgage on it has been ‘discharged’, for example paid off

Title summary

The title summary (viewable online) includes:

the title number

who owns it

what they paid for it

whether the property is freehold or leasehold (known as ‘tenure’)

the lender’s name and address (if there is a mortgage on the property)

The lease will have more information if the property is a leasehold.

Title plan

The title plan is a map showing:

the property’s location

the general boundaries - there’s usually no record of exact boundaries

Buy copies of the information

To get copies to use as proof of ownership (for example, in a court case) order official copies.

Ordering official copies

Your copies will arrive in less than a week.

Fees

Document | Fee

Title register (online copy) | £3

Title plan (online copy) | £2.50 (£3 with VAT)

Title register (official copy) | £7

Title plan (official copy) | £7

Rights over adjoining land and property boundaries

Title plans only give general boundary information. There’s usually no record of exact boundaries.

Get historical title registers

Ask HM Land Registry to search who owned the property for a specific date or multiple dates.

For properties registered before 1993

Contact HM Land Registry with the:

title number or address of the property

date or dates you’re applying for

They’ll search their records and tell you if they have a copy, and how to apply for it.

For properties registered after 1993

The results of your search will arrive in less than a week.

If you do not know the date you’re searching for, contact HM Land Registry.

Search the index map

Use it to find the title number of a property that does not appear in a search of the register.

How to search

You cannot search the map yourself.

a plan which clearly identifies the land or property

an Ordnance Survey map reference for the land or property

Download and fill in the application form and send it to HM Land Registry.

The search will also confirm if the property or land is unregistered.

How much it costs

It costs £4 to search an area covering up to 5 registered titles.

How long it takes

If you’re searching the index map to apply for home rights

Get a copy of the deeds

The register may give more details about rights over adjoining land.

HM Land Registry does not store original paper deeds.

How to request a copy of the deeds

Find out if the property or land is registered.

Fill in the deeds request form using the property’s title number from the title register.

Your search may return no results if HM Land Registry does not hold a scanned copy of the deeds.

The deeds could be made up of several documents. Each official copy of a document costs £7.

Send your completed form and payment to HM Land Registry.

If you’re a business

Search for property prices

You can search for how much a property sold for in England or Wales.

You can correct information about the sale price if you find any incorrect records.

You cannot search the map yourself.

Get information about property and land

Overview

The type of information you can get includes the:

title register - who owns the property or land, and any rights of way

title number - the unique number given to a property or piece of land

title plan - the property or land’s location and boundaries

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Search the land and property register

Get copies of title register and title plan by searching the register.

Search the land and property index map

Ask for a search of the index map if a property doesn’t come up on a search of the register.

Get a copy of the deeds

Search property prices

Search the register

Search the online register

Search the register by address or location.

Title register

The title register has details about the property or land (in a PDF). It includes:

the title number

who owns it

what they paid for it (properties only, if available)

any rights of way

whether a mortgage on it has been ‘discharged’, for example paid off

Title summary

The title summary (viewable online) includes:

the title number

who owns it

what they paid for it

whether the property is freehold or leasehold (known as ‘tenure’)

the lender’s name and address (if there is a mortgage on the property)

The lease will have more information if the property is a leasehold.

Title plan

The title plan is a map showing:

the property’s location

the general boundaries - there’s usually no record of exact boundaries

Buy copies of the information

To get copies to use as proof of ownership (for example, in a court case) order official copies.

Ordering official copies

Your copies will arrive in less than a week.

Fees

Document | Fee

Title register (online copy) | £3

Title plan (online copy) | £2.50 (£3 with VAT)

Title register (official copy) | £7

Title plan (official copy) | £7

Rights over adjoining land and property boundaries

Title plans only give general boundary information. There’s usually no record of exact boundaries.

Get historical title registers

Ask HM Land Registry to search who owned the property for a specific date or multiple dates.

For properties registered before 1993

Contact HM Land Registry with the:

title number or address of the property

date or dates you’re applying for

They’ll search their records and tell you if they have a copy, and how to apply for it.

For properties registered after 1993

The results of your search will arrive in less than a week.

If you do not know the date you’re searching for, contact HM Land Registry.

Search the index map

Use it to find the title number of a property that does not appear in a search of the register.

How to search

You cannot search the map yourself.

a plan which clearly identifies the land or property

an Ordnance Survey map reference for the land or property

Download and fill in the application form and send it to HM Land Registry.

The search will also confirm if the property or land is unregistered.

How much it costs

It costs £4 to search an area covering up to 5 registered titles.

How long it takes

If you’re searching the index map to apply for home rights

Get a copy of the deeds

The register may give more details about rights over adjoining land.

HM Land Registry does not store original paper deeds.

How to request a copy of the deeds

Find out if the property or land is registered.

Fill in the deeds request form using the property’s title number from the title register.

Your search may return no results if HM Land Registry does not hold a scanned copy of the deeds.

The deeds could be made up of several documents. Each official copy of a document costs £7.

Send your completed form and payment to HM Land Registry.

If you’re a business

Search for property prices

You can search for how much a property sold for in England or Wales.

You can correct information about the sale price if you find any incorrect records.