If your business is facing temporary financial difficulties and you are finding it difficult to keep up with your tax payments, it is better to look for help than to risk the wrath of the taxman. Don’t wait until the payment is overdue.
There is help out there: the Business Payment Support Service makes it possible for cash-strapped businesses to stay on top of their tax payments by spreading them over a period of time. It’s been created especially for businesses and self-employed people who are unable to pay their tax due to short-term financial troubles.
To set up payments on an affordable timetable, all you need to do is call the HMRC. In most cases you will get a decision and a ‘time to pay’ agreement. Schedules for payments you owe on income tax, national insurance and corporation tax, as well as VAT and PAYE, can be set up within 10 minutes.
For larger organisations with more complex affairs, the HMRC should return to you within four working days.
If your tax payment is now due and you cannot afford to pay, call HMRC’s Business Payment Support line on 0845 902 1435. Lines are open from 8am to 8pm weekdays.
You will need your tax reference number, details of the taxes you are worried about and when you expect to be able to pay the bill.
If your tax is not yet due but you would like more information about the service, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/pbr2008/business-payment.htm.
If you have already been contacted by the HMRC about overdue tax payments, it is best to call the office that originally contacted you.