Airbnb matches up people who have properties to let with people who want to rent a property, or simply find a place to sleep, normally for a short stay, although long-term rentals are also available.

The company has confirmed in recent news reports that it will be providing data for 2017/18 and 2018/19 to HMRC that identifies people letting out property and sharing their rental income receipts. This move coincides with an adjustment to increase Airbnb’s own corporate tax payments.

HMRC will inevitably be working through this list and comparing it with its records of rental income returned for these years. It will contact taxpayers where there is a discrepancy to request an explanation.