In this section:
- Advice if your business can’t pay what it owes HM Revenue & Customs
- Advice for individuals if you can’t pay what you owe HM Revenue & Customs
- Difficulty repaying overpaid Tax Credits?
- Problems with Child Benefit - where to start?
- What to do if you can't pay your VAT
- What to do if you can't pay your Self Assessment tax bill
- Organisations that can help you with debt problems
- What could happen if you don't pay HM Revenue & Customs
Organisations that can help you with debt problems
If you’re having problems managing debt or meeting payments which may include tax or other money owed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) there are a number of organisations that provide free advice, including those listed below.
Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive and the links are to external organisations which are not managed by HMRC.
On this page:
- Business Debtline
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
- Insolvency Service
- National Debtline
- TaxAid
- Your local authority
Business Debtline
This helpline provides free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. The website also offers a range of free online guides.
Get free debt advice at the Business Debtline website
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau provides free information and advice on legal, money and other problems. You can find your local Citizens Advice Bureau in the phone book or on their website.
Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
The CCCS provides free, independent and impartial advice over the telephone to people who have debt problems. Its website also offers free online guides.
Get debt advice from the CCCS website
Insolvency Service
As well as having an administrative and investigative function, the Insolvency Service provides information on alternatives to bankruptcy and what to do if an employer who is declared insolvent doesn’t pay you your redundancy entitlement.
Get help with matters relating to insolvency on the Insolvency Service website
National Debtline
National Debtline offers free, confidential and independent help over the phone if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales. You can call their helpline and also download publications from their website.
Free debt advice and information from National Debtline
TaxAid
TaxAid is a UK charity providing free tax advice to people who can’t afford to pay a professional adviser. They offer help to anyone on a low income, whether employed, self-employed, retired or on benefits.
Get free help and advice on matters relating to tax debts from TaxAid
Your local authority
Some local authorities offer a free debt counselling service. You can check with your local authority by following the link below. You'll be asked to enter details of where you live and then taken to your local authority website where you can find out more.
