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The latest insights and trending topics from Begbies Traynor Group
What is a HMRC Time To Pay (TTP) Arrangement?
A Time To Pay arrangement is a method of spreading your business tax payments over a longer period of time in a more affordable way. An agreement is reached between the business and HMRC in an attempt to provide some breathing space to the business and allow cash flow to improve.
Understanding the importance of credit risk monitoring
Credit risk monitoring is a continuous assessment of the risks associated with lending money or extending credit to individuals, businesses, or other entities.
Construction sector woes deepen as lag effect of inflation spike erodes wafer-thin margins
The UK construction sector remains at the forefront of UK industry insolvencies.
If I cannot pay a VAT bill, what options are available to my company?
Companies that are VAT registered usually have to pay their VAT bill once every few months and they should calculate along the way how much VAT they are likely to be due to pay to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
How HMRC now handle penalties for late VAT returns and payments
As of January 2023 companies in the UK can now get penalty points if they submit their VAT Returns late, even including nil payment returns.
What are the exit routes out of company administration?
There are several exit routes out of company administration, with the right course of action determined by its individual circumstances and future viability.
What actions can creditors take against my company?
If you owe money to your creditors that you can’t repay, they can take legal action against you which could potentially lead to the closure of your business.
I cannot afford to pay my staff’s wages
If you’re unable to pay your staff then it’s also likely that you’re struggling to pay bills from suppliers, HMRC and other creditors when they become due, and at that point, your business could be technically insolvent.
What happens if my Time to Pay Arrangement fails or is breached?
Although negotiating a Time to Pay Arrangement with HMRC can be challenging, in many respects, this is the easy part. This is because, once the Time to Pay Arrangement is agreed, you’ll not only have to pay HMRC the money you owe in instalments over the next 6 to 12 months, but you’ll also have to pay your ongoing VAT, PAYE and corporation tax bills on top of this.
Advice for directors with PAYE and VAT arrears
HMRC is the most common creditor for UK businesses and it’s easy to see why. When faced with a cash flow crunch, rather than not paying key suppliers that your business relies on, the easier option might be to delay a VAT or PAYE payment to HMRC. However, HMRC has enforcement powers that go beyond that of other creditors, which makes building up PAYE and VAT arrears a risky situation to be in.
My company owes HMRC corporation tax and VAT but I cannot afford the payment request
I'm really worried and would like some advice please. I am the sole director of a limited company providing IT consultancy and have recently accepted a permanent job with another company starting in two weeks. My company will then become dormant. I have been naïve and silly and taken too many dividends and consequently can't pay back the corporation tax and VAT owed which totals £25,000.
Can I lose my home due to business debts?
In general, your home is protected by the ‘veil of incorporation’ that separates the company as an entity from you as a director.
Can I go to jail for business fraud? Could I be arrested?
If your company is forced into liquidation, the actions of all directors leading up to insolvency will be investigated by the liquidator.
My business is suffering due to depression/ill health
If the stresses and strains of running a successful company have taken their toll on your physical or mental health, it might be time to step back.
