In response to last week's riots in London and other cities, HMRC have launched a phone service dedicated to helping businesses and individuals
The new offering is available on 0845 366 1207, from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. It was unveiled by the taxman with the promise of providing sympathetic advice for taxpayers facing problems as a result of civil disorder.
The Revenue said it will:
- agree payment schedules with those who are unable to pay their tax bills due to short-term financial difficulties; and
- discuss practical solutions where businesses and individuals cannot meet their other obligations to HMRC; for example records having been lost or destroyed.
In such circumstances, and whenever possible, the department said it will review penalties imposed and withhold additional surcharges that would normally be triggered by missed deadlines.