NEW HMRC SERVICE ALLOWS BUSINESSES THAT CAN’T PAY THEIR VAT TO SET UP ONLINE PAYMENT PLANS
Released On 21st Jun 2023
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have recently confirmed that businesses that owe less than £20,000 in VAT can now set up a payment plan online.
The measure, which came into effect on 31 May 2023, is part of a wider project from HMRC to digitise tax reporting and payments, to reduce the number of calls placed to HMRC advisers.
While the move will be providing relief for HMRC advisers, many businesses in the country will now be able to set up a payment plan with a minimum of fuss and avoid lengthy call queue times to HMRC.
Who is eligible
Businesses need to meet the following criteria to be eligible to set up an online payment plan:
- Have filed their latest VAT return
- Owe £20,000 in VAT or less
- Are within 28 days of the payment deadline
- Do not have any other payment plans or debts with HMRC, and
- Plan to pay the debt off within six months
Any businesses in the Cash Accounting Scheme, Annual Accounting Scheme, or that make payments on account are not eligible to set up an online payment plan and will have to contact HMRC in the usual way.
What is needed to set up a plan?
To set up an online payment plan for VAT, the below are required:
- VAT registration number
- Bank account details
- Details of any payments missed previously
While the recent announcement from HMRC pertains to paying VAT, online payment plans can also be set up for paying tax on Self-Assessment tax returns and employers’ PAYE contributions, albeit with different eligibility criteria.
Self-Assessment repayments
Self-Assessment payment plans can be set up online if the business has filed its latest tax return, the tax owed amounts to £30,000 or less, the plan is set up within 60 days of the payment deadline, and there are no other payment plans already in place or outstanding debts with HMRC.
Employers’ PAYE contributions repayments
If employers’ PAYE contributions are owed, an online payment plan can be set up if £15,000 or less is owed, the business is within 35 days of the payment deadline, and the debt is also paid off within six months.
Businesses who want to set up an online payment plan for PAYE contributions must also have submitted any employers’ PAYE submissions and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) returns that are due, as well as ensuring that they have no other debts or payment plans with HMRC or any outstanding penalties to pay.
Do you require assistance with setting up an online payment plan for tax due? Contact us today.
