Problems with paying tax

Your balancing payment for 2010/11 and the first payment on account for 2011/12(if applicable) are due by 31 January 2012, together with your tax return.

If you are struggling to pay your tax, you should call HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) Business Payment Support Service (BPSS). HMRC will ask you probing questions about the business and your cashflow, to ascertain why you can’t pay your tax. If they think you genuinely cannot pay your tax  they may grant you an extension to settle your taxes in or agree a payment plan. However, they do not reduce the amount outstanding and they will still charge you interest.

Even though you can’t afford to pay your tax, make sure you still file your return before 31 January 2012. Otherwise, you will be charged an automatic penalty of £100.

If you don’t feel confident in negotiating with HMRC, feel free to contact your local TaxAssist Accountant. They would be happy to liaise with HMRC on your behalf.

Date published 5 Dec 2012

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.