Health and Social Care levy

This guide explains the recent changes the government has announced about the extra tax charges to fund NHS and social care across the UK.

What is the Health and Social Care Levy?

The Health and Social Care (HSC) levy is a new and additional type of personal income tax. The main way it’s funded is from earnings, this will be deducted via PAYE in the case of full-time employees.

The HSC levy is a new and permanent tax intended to pay for increasing NHS costs, plus the increased costs of adult social care.

This change is being introduced to help the NHS and Social Care recover from the Coronavirus pandemic. 

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Changes from April 2022

National insurance contributions (NICS) are increasing by 1.25% for one year only for employees, employers and the self-employed. 

This covers both Class 1 - employee and employer, Class 1A and 1B and Class 4 - self-employed contributions. Those above state pension age aren't impacted by the April 2022 changes.

The rate of income tax for people who receive dividend income from shares is also increasing by 1.25%.

National Insurance rises

The table below shows the current NICs based on an employees salary, and also the increased amount from April 2022.

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Changes from April 2023

HMRC will collect the extra tax as a new Health and Social Care Levy and national insurance rates will revert back to current levels. 

The levy will also apply to individuals above state pension age with employment income or profits from self-employment above £9,568.

Levy contributions will apply UK-wide, and like national insurance, people will pay the same in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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What do you need to do? 

Don't worry, you don't need to take any action, we've got you covered! We'll include the new NI contribution categories and tables in the 2022/2023 release of Sage 50cloud Payroll.

We'll also cover you by reverting them back to the existing rates in the 2023/2024 tax year release.

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Further information

For more information around the Health and Social Care Levy changes, visit the government website.

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