Workers may face big bills for private pension access.

HMRC says check before using savings, or you may owe 100% tax, interest, and penalties. This is because some pay structures can hide how income is taxed.

Workers are warned about private pension access.

Tax avoidance schemes use fake transactions to reduce tax. However, this can be very costly.

People in such schemes must still pay full tax.

Workers lose money to schemes and then owe full tax.

A warning sign is getting more money than your payslip shows.

Other warning signs exist:

For real wages, 100% of net pay should match your payslip.

The warning is for those using private pension savings.

HMRC says if it sounds too good, it probably is, and you may owe more tax.

HMRC gave examples of workers caught out:

People were still responsible for full tax despite getting guidance.

HMRC says come forward if you suspect a scheme, as delays increase costs. It says the longer you wait, the bigger the tax bill.

Help is available, like payment plans, for those who cannot pay all at once.

Understanding your payment method is key to avoiding trouble with umbrella companies.

Anyone can report suspicious schemes, even anonymously, to help stop promoters.