Business Payment Support Service

The Business Payment Support Service, announced in the Pre-Budget Report 2008, is designed to meet the needs of businesses affected by the current economic conditions. Any business that is worried about being able to meet tax, National Insurance or other payments owed to HMRC, or anticipates that payments becoming due will cause them problems, can get in touch with HMRC to discuss payment options to help them deal with temporary cash flow difficulties on 0845 302 1435. The service is designed to help all businesses (large and small) that are struggling to pay their tax. The service is primarily available to self-employed people and companies but can be used by anyone who is having difficulty in meeting their tax liabilities. The service covers most taxes and duties including Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE and National Insurance. To qualify, the business/individual must be:

• in genuine difficulty
• unable to pay their tax on time
• likely to be able to pay if HMRC allow them more time.

HMRC have stated that ‘…we will look to be flexible and agree time to pay arrangements on a case-by-case basis to bring the businesses’/client’s tax back up to date on a timescale that is reasonable and appropriate to the situation.’ Please do get in touch if you would like help in this area.