HMRC Press Release
For the attention of News Desks -
Over 320 businesses in the South East given time to pay by HMRC
Over £4.8m of business tax has been rescheduled by businesses in the South East as a direct result of a quick call to the new HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Business Payment Support Service (BPSS).
This service was announced in the Chancellor's pre Budget statement on 24 November and opened to business nationwide on the same day.
HMRC staff on this fast track service have been busy talking to businesses in the South East which need extra time to pay their tax bills due to the current difficult economic circumstances.
This is a fast and streamlined service that enables businesses to speak directly with an advisor to agree an affordable timetable without incurring any extra charges, saving hard working businesses time and money.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms MP said:
"We are determined to do everything we can to support business through these testing times and I would strongly encourage any business anticipating difficulties paying their taxes to call HMRC's Business Payment Support Service.
"This service is making a real difference for businesses across the country and I am very pleased that HMRC has been able to provide support to over 320 businesses in the South East."
Around 3,500 time to pay arrangements, totalling over £68.4m, were agreed between 24 November and 3 December 2008, broken down nationally as follows:
England - 87%
Scotland - 6%
Wales - 5%
N Ireland - 2%
A Thames Valley firm in the motor industry asked for help in spreading their tax payments of over £9,000. Without the flexibility provided by HMRC, they would have had to consider laying off about half of their staff in the next couple of weeks - the run-up to Christmas.
Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office