In light of the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease, and in order to help individuals and businesses affected by it, HMRC will:
- defer collection of taxes and duties or agree instalment arrangements where taxpayers are unable to pay as a result of severe difficulty;
- suspend debt collection proceedings;
- defer compliance checks and investigations;
- provide help and advice in dealing with other practical tax matters arising from the outbreak;
- where appropriate consider using the powers available to give up interest and surcharges on tax paid which is paid late due to the outbreak.
They have also set up a telephone helpline, 0845 366 1207, to enable anyone affected by the outbreak to get advice on tax matters. The helpline will be open seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm.
HMRC news release dated 7 August 2007