The UK Government announces deferral until 2021 of VAT payments for the next three months, and six month deferral of 31 July 2020 self-assessed income tax due from self-employed. It also sets up a dedicated helpline to improve access to its Time to Pay scheme.

As part of the package of measures announced by the UK Government in recent days, no VAT will be due to HMRC from 20 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, and taxpayers will be given until the end of the 2020 to 2021 tax year to pay any liabilities that have accumulated during the deferral period. VAT refunds and reclaims will be paid by the government as normal. Income tax payments due from the self-employed by end of July 2020 under Self Assessment will be deferred to January 2021. Both deferrals apply automatically with no requirement to apply for relief, and no penalties or interest for late payment will be charged in the deferral period.

In addition, HMRC have scaled up their Time to Pay service to support businesses and self-employed individuals who are in temporary financial distress as a result of COVID-19 and have outstanding tax liabilities. Taxpayers will not receive a reduction in their tax bill, but may be able to agree some breathing space as they deal with immediate cash-flow concerns. Arrangements will be agreed on a case-by-case basis and will be tailored to individual circumstances and liabilities. Taxpayers can call a new dedicated helpline to discuss their options, which may include:

• Agreeing an instalment arrangement
• Suspending debt collection proceedings
• Cancelling penalties and interest where there are administrative difficulties contacting or paying HMRC immediately

The helpline number is +44 800 0159 559 (in addition to other HMRC phone contact numbers). Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am to 4:00pm.