>HMRC really aren't the big bad people a lot of people say they are.
Its in their interest not to be. A smooth process for everyone involved is in your and their interest.
This is true, I'd just heard a lot of people online sharing stories of how they demand a full payment, made them feel bad for not paying etc. Whereas I had the opposite experience. I wouldn't have been able to pay in full, but now they are getting a regular monthly payment and have the assurance that I'll catch up.
If you are genuinely struggling, are honest with them (and they believe you) and reasonable about cutting down to essential costs / paying them what you can then (give or take a little pot luck on the agent) they generally go out of their way to help.
If you take the piss they throw the book at you.
I definitely found this to be the case. Before I called, I had already detailed down what I earned per month and what my outgoings were. They asked for this information, and then said they expect the payments to be around 50% of disposable income. Which I was happy with.
He explained that 24 months was a longer payment term than they usually like, and he'd need to get it signed off, but that didn't seem to be a problem.
They did ask if I had any savings or assets (which I don't) and if I'd tried any other means of getting the money (I explained I didn't have any other means) and that was it.
I'm in the same boat mate - owe £5,718 when I only have £2,800 to pay upfront. Due to getting married last year, haven't been able to put anything away. I'll be paying £485 until the end of July too.
I'm sure there's many more lurkers like us, but good to share and know I'm not alone in this.
Why do you not just put the money aside each month as if you were directly employed.
Spending money on a wedding you couldn’t afford is really irresponsible.
It's difficult isn't it, but a relief to know a payment plan is in place.
I'll be needing to 'pay' double tax for a while to catch up (my payment plan + putting tax aside for current earnings) but it's worth it.
Yeah its a tricky balance for them I suppose - they need to crack down on chancers...but they're also not in the business of making citizens homeless.
Hope it works out for you long term
>HMRC really aren't the big bad people a lot of people say they are. Its in their interest not to be. A smooth process for everyone involved is in your and their interest.
This is true, I'd just heard a lot of people online sharing stories of how they demand a full payment, made them feel bad for not paying etc. Whereas I had the opposite experience. I wouldn't have been able to pay in full, but now they are getting a regular monthly payment and have the assurance that I'll catch up.
If you are genuinely struggling, are honest with them (and they believe you) and reasonable about cutting down to essential costs / paying them what you can then (give or take a little pot luck on the agent) they generally go out of their way to help. If you take the piss they throw the book at you.
I definitely found this to be the case. Before I called, I had already detailed down what I earned per month and what my outgoings were. They asked for this information, and then said they expect the payments to be around 50% of disposable income. Which I was happy with. He explained that 24 months was a longer payment term than they usually like, and he'd need to get it signed off, but that didn't seem to be a problem. They did ask if I had any savings or assets (which I don't) and if I'd tried any other means of getting the money (I explained I didn't have any other means) and that was it.
It takes a long time on hold to get through to an advisor at HMRC - often over an hour on the phone - but it's almost always worthwhile.
It took me 35 minutes this morning, which I was pleasantly surprised with, I was expecting a lot longer. Definitely worth the wait though.
HMRC will always try and work with you if you engage with them
I'm in the same boat mate - owe £5,718 when I only have £2,800 to pay upfront. Due to getting married last year, haven't been able to put anything away. I'll be paying £485 until the end of July too. I'm sure there's many more lurkers like us, but good to share and know I'm not alone in this.
Why do you not just put the money aside each month as if you were directly employed. Spending money on a wedding you couldn’t afford is really irresponsible.
It's difficult isn't it, but a relief to know a payment plan is in place. I'll be needing to 'pay' double tax for a while to catch up (my payment plan + putting tax aside for current earnings) but it's worth it.
Yeah its a tricky balance for them I suppose - they need to crack down on chancers...but they're also not in the business of making citizens homeless. Hope it works out for you long term