Problems with paying tax

Your balancing payment for 2011/12 and the first payment on account for 2012/13 (if applicable) are due by 31^st January 2013, 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, you must make sure you still file your return before 31^st January 2013. Otherwise, you will be charged an automatic late filing penalty of £100. Furthermore, the BPSS will only consider making arrangements where the tax is not yet overdue- so do not leave it too long to speak with them.

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

Date published 15 Jan 2013

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.