HM Revenue and Customs
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Business Payment Support Service launched
A new dedicated Business Payment Support Service, designed to meet the needs of businesses affected by the current economic conditions has been launched by the Chancellor in today's Pre-Budget Report.
This targeted support will give businesses a fast and streamlined service for arranging to pay their HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) tax bill to a timetable they can afford. In addition to this, HMRC will offer further practical help by not imposing additional penalties or surcharges on the tax within a time to pay arrangement.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms said:
"The Government is determined to support businesses through these challenging economic times. The new dedicated Business Payment Support Service will ensure that businesses needing extra time to pay their tax bill can get a quick decision from HMRC. By speaking directly to an HMRC adviser they should be able to agree an affordable payment timetable without incurring any extra charges, saving hard working businesses both time and money."
Lesley Strathie, HMRC Chief Executive said:
"We are committed to supporting businesses experiencing temporary difficulties and understand that some businesses want to talk to us about the amount of time they need to pay their HMRC taxes.
Our new Business Payment Support Service will make this easier and faster. Callers will get through to an HMRC officer who will listen and provide a solution tailored to specific circumstances.
Business people who find that they need more time to pay will receive a sympathetic response."
Notes for editors
1. Further information is available on the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/pbr2008/business-payment.htm, which contains general advice about the support line, as well as other frequently asked questions.
2. The support line - tel 0845 302 1435 - will be open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and from 8 am to 4pm at weekends.
Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
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enquiries only please contact:
Tel: 020 7147 0798
Website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk
