 September
2007
Tax Help for those Affected
by Floods
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling,
has announced that HMRC will introduce a series of
measures to help individuals and businesses affected
by the recent severe flooding. The Government will
introduce legislation in next year's Finance Bill to
allow HMRC to waive interest and surcharges on tax
paid late due to the floods.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister for
HMRC, Jane Kennedy, said;
"I want to ensure that people affected by the
flooding do not have to worry about tax or their tax
credit award at this difficult time. Where individuals
or businesses are affected by the flooding, I would
ask them to get in touch with HMRC who will be able
to offer practical help. I hope that, by offering this
help now and the reassurance that HMRC will back-date
their help, we can ease some of the anxiety that is
affecting so many people and business."
HMRC will be able to:
- defer collection of taxes and duties, or
agreeing instalment arrangements where customers
are unable to pay as a result of severe hardship;
- waive interest, surcharges and penalties for the
period during which collection of tax or duty is
deferred;
- introduce practical arrangements where
individuals and businesses have lost records in the
flooding;
- suspend debt collection proceedings;
- defer compliance
checks and investigations.
HMRC will not charge penalties where they are satisfied
that customers have missed deadlines as a result of
the flooding.
HMRC ask that people contact them if the flooding
has made it difficult for them to send in their tax
credit renewals on time or if they have a change of
circumstances to notify. Similarly customers having
difficulty paying their taxes or duties, or sending
in tax returns or other information as a result of
the flooding, should also get in touch as soon as possible.
A new helpline has been set up to support those affected
on 0845 300 157.
Internet Link:
HMRC help for flood victims
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