Understanding how to deal with tax arrears can be stressful and we are here to help alleviate that for you. Our tax arrears tips are here as a guideline on what to do when you face difficulties with HMRC and tax arrears. For many taxpayers, a dramatic change in circumstances can cause financial difficulties. Problems can occur because of challenges faced by the business, for instance a drop off in trade combined with a lack of working capital, all of which can cause cash flow issues which need to be overcome in order for trade to continue.

Since the onset of the recession we have all had to look at our cash books and balances a lot closer and unfortunately in a lot of instances, money set aside for HMRC and tax liabilities has had to be used to keep individuals and businesses trading. This leaves HMRC chasing for late and overdue tax bills.

So what happens when you need to contact HMRC? – Our top 10 tax arrears tips.

We all know dealing with HMRC can be frustrating and a time consuming activity.

Here at Tax Debts Help and Advice (www.taxdebtshelpandadvice.com) we specialise in helping those that owe HMRC and can’t pay the debts back in full and on time. We are set up to negotiate the ‘mine field’ that is HMRC specifically for our clients. Our tax arrears tips hopefully guide you through this difficult time, give you some advice and remember we are here to help, our friendly team don’t judge, we will listen and be on hand when you need us most.

1. Get comfortable and be patient – Getting through to the right person to begin with can be an issue. There are several Self-Assessment helplines that can be used to make initial contact. Our advice is to start there if you don’t have any specific contact information for the department handling your debt. The main Self-Assessment helpline number is 0300 200 3311.
2. Consider approaching a local office – if there still is one – HMRC do not promote this line of contact but discussing issues face to face with them can be a lot easier than a generic agent over the phone.
3. Always try and have all information to hand – We understand this can be difficult but if you owe HMRC you need to be able to explain what has happened to you and your business and why you are talking to them now.
4. Be prepared to go through all your incomings and outgoings – Make sure you have clear records of income and expenditure. HMRC can look to help with a Time to Pay Arrangement, which is a monthly re-payment arrangement for tax. This can be subject to criteria that not everyone can afford to meet. If you find you cannot meet the payment HMRC are asking of you, we could help, please do contact us as soon as possible.
5. Don’t be pushed in to a decision over the phone that you are financially concerned about meeting – You do have time with HMRC to work things out, just ensure you keep the lines of communication open.
6. Always document who you talk to and when – Names and department numbers.
7. Keep copies of any documentation you send to HMRC and ensure you keep good records of anything received from them, concerning the situation you are discussing.
8. Ask for conformation of everything in writing – Again, record keeping is key to surviving dealing with HMRC as queries can be passed through so many different departments.
9. Be prepared to have to repeat yourself and resend documentation over and over – Our advice is always double check when you have someone on the other end of the phone, where any paperwork needs to go and who it needs addressing to.
10. Don’t get rattled – It can be frustrating to get someone just to ‘hear you’. HMRC are there to help but getting aggravated will only cause them to stop listening, Take your time with the situation and try to keep calm. If you continue to have issues with HMRC, there are external organisations that can help and give you further advice. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you hit a ‘wall’ with them.

For more tax arrears tips and helpful articles, visit our website or if you think we can further assist you or would just like to talk about your tax debt, then give our friendly team a call on 0800 448 0293, start a live chat on our website or email enquiries@taxdebtshelpandadvice.com

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