A guide to repaying HMRC Debt in 2023

HMRC Debt – What is it?

HMRC debt refers to outstanding tax liabilities owed to the UK’s tax authority, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This can include unpaid income tax, National Insurance contributions, VAT, or other taxes. If an individual or business fails to pay their taxes on time, HMRC may take legal action to recover the debt.

What creates an HMRC Debt?

Several factors can cause this type of debt:

• Unpaid taxes: Failing to pay taxes, such as income tax, National Insurance contributions, or VAT, can lead to HMRC debt.
• Incorrect tax returns: Submitting incorrect tax returns or failing to report all taxable income can result in HMRC debt.
• Late payments: If taxes are not paid on time, interest and penalties may accrue, increasing the amount of debt owed to HMRC.
• Business liabilities: Businesses may incur HMRC debt for failing to pay taxes, such as employer’s National Insurance contributions or VAT.
• Underpayment: You may incur HMRC debt if you have underpaid taxes and owe more than originally calculated.
• Overclaimed tax credits: Overclaiming tax credits can result in HMRC debt when the mistake is discovered, and the overpayment needs to be repaid.

What steps should you take to deal with your HMRC?

Keeping track of your tax obligations and making payments on time is important to avoid HMRC debt. If you’re facing financial difficulties or have any questions, consider seeking help from a debt advisor.

To deal with HMRC debt, you can take the following steps:

• Contact HMRC: Reach out to HMRC as soon as possible to discuss your situation and to see if you can reach a payment agreement.
• Make a payment plan: HMRC may be able to set up a payment plan that works for you based on your financial situation.
• Check your debt: Ensure you understand the amount and the reason for the debt before entering into a payment plan.
• Keep up with payments: If you agree to a payment plan, it is important to make payments on time to avoid further action from HMRC.
• Consider getting professional advice: If you’re having trouble dealing with your HMRC debt, consider seeking help from a debt advisor, financial advisor, or tax professional.

Note: Ignoring the debt or failing to make payments can lead to legal action, attachment of earnings orders, bank levies, or property liens, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible.

HMRC Debt: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges

Do you need help paying off a debt to the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)? If so, you are not alone. Many individuals and businesses need financial assistance to catch up in paying their taxes. However, acting and resolving your debt as soon as possible is essential to avoid additional penalties and interest charges.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about HMRC debt, including how it occurs, the consequences of non-payment, and various options for resolving the debt.

Understanding HMRC Debt

HMRC debt refers to any outstanding tax obligations owed to the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the UK government agency responsible for collecting taxes and duties. This can include income tax, National Insurance contributions, Value Added Tax (VAT), and other taxes and duties.

The HMRC can enforce debt collection, including wage garnishment, freezing bank accounts, and seizing assets. So, it is important to understand your obligations and take steps to manage any HMRC debt as soon as possible.

Causes of HMRC Debt

HMRC debt can occur for various reasons, including failing to file tax returns on time, underpaying taxes, and failing to pay VAT. It can also arise due to mistakes on tax returns or incorrect information provided to the HMRC.

Regardless of the cause, it is essential to manage HMRC debt as soon as possible, as the longer, it remains unpaid, the more it will accrue in interest and penalties.

Managing HMRC Debt

The best way to manage HMRC debt is to contact the HMRC immediately. The HMRC has a team of debt advisors who can help you understand your debt and work out a suitable payment plan for your circumstances.

It is important to be honest about your financial situation and to engage with the HMRC to find a solution that works for both parties. This may include a payment plan that spreads the debt over a more extended period or negotiating a reduced payment amount.

A Debt Management Plan or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) may sometimes be appropriate. Still, it is essential to understand the consequences of these debt solutions, including the impact on your credit score and the potential loss of assets.

Avoiding HMRC Debt

The best way to avoid HMRC debt is to stay on top of your tax obligations and to file your tax returns on time. It is also important to ensure that you have accurate information and to make regular payments on time.

If you are self-employed or run a small business, it is important to understand your tax obligations and to keep accurate records. This will help you avoid mistakes and pay the correct amount of tax.

In conclusion, understanding and managing HMRC debt is essential to financial planning and stability. By staying on top of your tax obligations and engaging with the HMRC when a problem arises, you can avoid debt and maintain your financial health.

Consequences of Non-Payment

Failing to pay HMRC debt can have serious consequences, including legal action, wage garnishment, bank account seizure, and the sale of assets. It is, therefore, important to understand the consequences of non-payment and to take steps to manage any HMRC debt as soon as possible.

Legal Action

If you fail to pay HMRC debt, the HMRC has the power to take legal action against you. This can include taking you to court, which can result in a judgment against you, and the attachment of a charging order on your property.

Attachment of earnings

The HMRC has the power to recover debt via your wages, which means that a portion of your salary will be taken directly from your pay and paid towards your debt. This can have a significant impact on your finances and can make it challenging to make ends meet.

Bank Account Seizure

The HMRC can also seize your bank accounts, meaning all the money in your account will be taken to pay off your debt. This can be devastating, especially if you have saved for a specific purpose or have other important bills to pay.

Sale of Assets

The HMRC may sometimes seize and sell assets to pay off debt. This can include your property, vehicle, or other valuable assets.

Credit Score

Non-payment of HMRC debt can also negatively impact your credit score, making it more difficult to obtain credit in the future. This can include applying for a mortgage, loan, or credit card.

In conclusion, failing to pay HMRC debt can have serious consequences, including legal action, wage garnishment, bank account seizure, the sale of assets, and a negative impact on your credit score. It is, therefore, important to understand your obligations and to take steps to manage any HMRC debt as soon as possible.

Options for Resolving HMRC Debt

The good news is that various options are available for resolving HMRC debt. Here are some of the most common methods:

Payment Plan

If you cannot fully pay off your debt, you can negotiate a payment plan with the HMRC. This involves agreeing to make regular, affordable payments towards the debt until it is fully paid off. To apply for a payment plan, you must provide evidence of your income and expenses and demonstrate that you cannot fully pay the debt.

Time to Pay Arrangement

A Time to Pay arrangement is like a payment plan, but it allows you to spread your debt over a more extended period. This option is available for individuals and businesses facing temporary financial difficulties. To be eligible for a Time to Pay arrangement, you must provide evidence of your financial situation and negotiate an agreement with the HMRC.

Debt Management Plan

A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is a repayment plan that involves making monthly payments to a debt management company, which will then distribute the funds to your creditors, including the HMRC. A DMP can be a good option if you have multiple debts and struggle to manage your repayments.

Debt Relief Order

A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a formal debt solution for individuals with less than £30,000 in debts and limited assets and income. A DRO can provide temporary protection from creditor action and write off your debts after 12 months.

Insolvency

If you cannot pay your HMRC debt and do not qualify for other debt solutions, you may consider insolvency options, such as bankruptcy or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA). These options should only be regarded as a last resort, as they can seriously affect your credit score and financial future.

Conclusion

HMRC debt can be daunting and overwhelming, but it is important to act and resolve the debt as soon as possible. Whether you choose a payment plan, a Time to Pay arrangement, a Debt Management Plan, a Debt Relief Order, or insolvency, it is essential to seek professional advice and consider your options carefully.

GOV.UK

GOV.UK is the UK government’s official website and provides a wealth of information about various government services and programs, including HMRC debt. The site provides information about non-payment consequences, payment arrangements, and other options for resolving HMRC debt.

Frequently Asked Questions / FAQs:

Question: What is HMRC debt?
Answer: HMRC debt refers to the outstanding tax liability owed to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by individuals or businesses who have yet to pay the full taxes owed to the government.

Question: What are the consequences of non-payment of HMRC debt?
Answer: The consequences of non-payment of HMRC debt can include additional fines and interest, wage garnishment, bank account seizure, property seizure, and legal action.

Question: What are my options for resolving HMRC debt?
Answer: Options for resolving HMRC debt include negotiating a payment plan, applying for time to pay, applying for a tax credit or tax reduction, and appealing a decision made by the HMRC.

Question: Can I negotiate a payment plan with HMRC for my debt?
Answer: You can negotiate a payment plan with HMRC for your debt. The HMRC offers several payment options, including monthly, deferred, and partial payments.

Question: How do I appeal a decision made by the HMRC regarding my debt?
Answer: To appeal a decision made by the HMRC regarding your debt, you can write to the HMRC and explain why you disagree with the decision. If your appeal is unresolved, you can escalate the dispute to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for independent resolution.

Question: Will HMRC take legal action against me if I do not pay my debt?
Answer: If you do not pay your debt, HMRC may take legal action against you. This can include wage garnishment, bank account seizure, property seizure, and other enforcement actions.

Question: How can I find out if I owe HMRC money?
Answer: You can find out if you owe HMRC money by logging into your online account or contacting the HMRC directly.

Question: How long does HMRC have to collect a debt?
Answer: HMRC has a time limit of 20 years from the date the debt was incurred to collect the debt.

Question: Can HMRC seize my assets if I do not pay my debt?
Answer: HMRC may seize your assets if you do not pay your debt. This can include bank accounts, property, and other assets.

Question: Can you write off HMRC debt?
Answer: In certain circumstances, having your debt written off by HMRC may be possible. This can include financial hardship, bankruptcy, or other exceptional circumstances.

Credit Reports

• Get a copy of your credit report today by clicking CREDIT REPORT
• Learn the SIX BEST WAYS to rebuild your credit score by clicking REBUILD CREDIT SCORE

Which Debt Plans apply to you?

We review your circumstances and will assess all available debt advice solutions.

Please find below a list of debt solutions we will evaluate for:

• Debt Management Plan (DMP) – Information on a debt management plan
• Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) – Information on an IVA
• Debt Relief Order (DRO) – information on a DRO
• Bankruptcy – information on Bankruptcy

If you have used our online application form, we will contact you to run through your income and outgoings and discuss your options so you can make an informed choice. At Debt Support Direct, we offer all statutory debt solutions in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland so that you can choose the solution tailored to you and your circumstances.

If you have an attachment of benefits and have chosen the debt solution that you feel is the most appropriate, there will be some paperwork to fill in to put the debt solution programme in place.

Our debt advice is free, non-judgmental, and friendly, so if you are struggling with debt, speak to one of our experienced debt experts for a confidential chat on 0161 549 9848.

Free and impartial money advice is available from the Money Helper, an organisation set up by the Government for people in debt.

Important Information

Debt Support Direct does not administer any debt solutions; we will assess your debts, circumstances and affordability and signpost you to an organisation or charity that can set up and help the debt plan you decide suits your circumstances.

All debt solutions should be very carefully considered. Some providers may charge fees if a solution is taken; if applicable, these will be outlined during your consultation.

Your ability to obtain further credit in the short term will likely be affected, which may also be the case over the medium to long term. Calls from mobile phones and other networks may be charged to our free phone number.

The Financial Conduct Authority regulates Ruby Holdings Limited, trading as Debt Support Direct. We can offer debt advice for both formal and informal solutions. All debt solutions must be carefully considered, and you must take independent advice.

There are sources of free debt advice and services. You can find out more by contacting the Money Helper on 0800 138 7777 or visiting moneyhelper.org.uk

Here are some links to UK debt charities that can provide help and advice on managing debt:

• Citizensadvice.org.uk
• moneyhelper.org.uk
• moneywellness.com
• Stepchange.org

Please carefully read the information on these websites to understand what services they offer and if they would fit your needs. Reaching out for help as soon as you start having difficulties managing your debts is important. These organisations can help you understand your options and work with you to develop a plan to get back on track.