The LITRG welcomes HMRC’s introduction of a Tax helpline to support people affected by the flooding.
23/02/2014, by Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, Tax Articles - General
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Introduction
Over the past few weeks the weather has dominated the headlines and there has been no shortage of news reports covering the effects on the UK of the wettest January since 1766.
Dedicated tax helpline
In response, HMRC have set up a dedicated helpline that will ‘enable anyone affected to get fast, practical help and advice on a wide range of tax problems they may be facing’ and have pledged to have this in place for the next few months to give people time to get all their affairs in order.
The helpline number is 0800 904 7900 and the opening hours are:
Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 8.00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm (excluding bank holidays).
HMRC’s pledges
- to agree instalment arrangements where taxpayers are unable to pay as a result of the floods
- to agree a practical approach when individuals and businesses have lost vital records to the floods
- to suspend debt collection proceedings for those affected by the floods
- to cancel penalties when the taxpayer has missed statutory deadlines.
Tax credits
If you get tax credits and are having difficulty sending in paperwork or repaying an overpayment because of the flooding, you should contact the Tax Credit Helpline (0345 300 3900, textphone 0345 300 3909) to discuss your situation with HMRC.
As ever, LITRG encourage you to make a note of
- the date and time you called
- the details of your query and any dispensation or special arrangement offered, and
- to ask for the adviser’s name.
This will help to trace the conversation at a later date or if you encounter problems or disputes about your tax affairs in future years.
Business Support Scheme
In addition, a new Business Support Scheme will introduce a number of measures to ‘help flood-affected businesses get back on their feet’ including
- a £10m hardship fund to be allocated to SMEs at the discretion of each local authority (but to be considered alongside any personal insurance cover and payouts)
- a three-month 100% business rate relief (application being via your local authority)
- extra time for businesses to file accounts without any penalties
- a Government Business Support Helpline.
In some areas large businesses have pledged help and offered assistance in terms of floor space, meeting rooms or access to free Wi-Fi and conferencing systems to small firms affected by the floods.
Council tax exemption
The Government has also set aside £4m to help local authorities cover the cost of unpaid Council Tax as a direct result of the floods. Some local authorities have announced plans to exempt residents forced out of their homes from part or all of their council tax bill – check with your own council to see what they can offer.
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