Tax helpline for people affected by flooding

HMRC has set up a new Helpline for anyone affected by the recent floods.

The Helpline opened today and will enable anyone affected by the flooding to get fast, practical help and advice on a wide range of tax problems they may be facing.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on 25 July that the Government will bring forward retrospective legislation in next year's Finance Bill to allow HMRC to waive interest and surcharges on tax paid late due to the floods. The Commissioners will exercise their discretionary power not to collect such interest and surcharges in the interim.

In addition, HMRC will also be able to:

defer collection of taxes and duties or agree instalment arrangements where customers are unable to pay as a result of severe hardship.

introduce practical arrangements where individuals and businesses have lost records in the flooding

suspend debt collection proceedings

defer compliance checks and investigations

not charge penalties where we are satisfied that customers have missed deadlines as a result of the flooding

provide help and advice in dealing with other practical tax matters arising as a result of the flooding.

This new Helpline is in addition to our other telephone contact numbers.

Details

1. The Helpline is on: 0845 3000 157.

2. It will be open seven days a week from 8.00am to 8.00pm.

3. Tax credit recipients are asked to continue to use the helpline number 0845 300 3900.