Thousands of people owe money to HMRC. For those facing overdue taxes, there’s the option to arrange a Time To Pay agreement, offering some leeway whilst settling their dues.
In a digital step forward, certain taxpayers can now set up their payment plan online. This bypasses the need to endure HMRC call queues.
A recent Public Accounts Committee report expressed several concerns about HMRC’s performance, particularly spotlighting its subpar helpline service and customer support issues. The report also drew attention to the considerable tax debt still being pursued.
As of the end of March 2024, tax debts owed to HMRC amounted to £43 billion. The report added: “We are concerned, though, that HMRC is not effectively pursuing older debts.
“It has estimated it may not be able to collect 45% of established taxpayer liabilities not yet received.”
People who missed the Self Assessment tax deadline still have an opportunity to organise an online Time to Pay arrangement without directly contacting HMRC, if they meet the following criteria:
- They owe no more than £30,000
- They have no existing payment plans or debts with HMRC
- Their tax returns are up to date
- It’s less than 60 days after the payment deadline
Those who’ve missed the January 31st deadline have until the end of March to get their Time to Pay set up through the online portal. More information can be found on Gov.uk.
Taxpayers who are lagging on their PAYE bill can utilise the online service if they meet the following criteria:
- They have missed the deadline to pay an employer PAYE bill.
- They owe £100,000 or less.
- They plan to clear the debt within the next 12 months.
- Their debts are five years old or less.
- They do not have any other payment plans or debts with HMRC.
- They have submitted any due employers’ PAYE submissions and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) returns.
If you have a tax debt on a VAT bill, you could establish a payment plan online without contacting HMRC if:
- You missed the deadline to pay a VAT bill.
- You owe £100,000 or less.
- You plan to settle your debt within the next 12 months.
- Your debt is for an accounting period that started in 2023 or later.
- You do not have any other payment plans or debts with HMRC.
- You have filed all your tax returns.
Time to Pay arrangements aim to clear all of your debts with HMRC, including the interest and penalties you owe on overdue taxes, in amounts that are more manageable for you. According to the authority, over 90% of these arrangements are successfully completed.
The exact amount you pay and the duration it takes to clear your debt will depend on your individual financial circumstances and debts but usually, HMRC requests 50% of your disposable income.
HMRC has stated: “If your income and expenditure information shows that you do not have enough disposable income, we’ll pause our collection activity until your circumstances change.”
