We understand that tax problems or tax debt can cause stress, and alongside the other pressures and strains of life, you could find yourself feeling like you are unable to cope.
Having someone help you
You do not have to do it alone, you can seek help from a friend, relative, adviser, colleague, or support worker. All you will need to do is confirm with HMRC that you are happy for them to discuss your tax affairs with someone else. There is some information about this here.
They will be able to speak with HMRC on your behalf and request duplicate copies of the correspondence you have received.
HMRC’s duty to you
HMRC have stated that they will provide tailored support at the earliest opportunity to those who need extra help. Their support is in line with their responsibilities under the Equality Act to ensure that no one is disadvantaged.
HMRC monitors calls and correspondence to identify people who need extra help, including those with mental health issues. HMRC advisers will transfer callers to specially trained advisers at the Extra Support Team. They will also refer individuals to voluntary organisations such as TaxAid.
What this means in practice
This does not mean that the department of HMRC which deals with the collection of debt will simply write off your tax. But if you can provide HMRC with evidence that you have a mental health problem, such as a letter from your GP or other health professional, then you may reasonably ask for some leeway in the way you are treated. For example:
- if you need a little time to obtain evidence of your mental illness, this should be given
- if Debt Management has asked for any details of your financial situation, but because of your illness you find paperwork particularly stressful, you should be allowed extra time to get help to gather this information
- if you are unable to give any attention to your tax debts for a short period while you are in hospital or undergoing other treatment, Debt Management should normally be prepared to suspend action for a short period
- if you can show that enforcement action being threatened by Debt Management would be harmful to your health, and that the tax debt could be settled as quickly in another way, then Debt Management should take due account of this
- if your mental illness is expected to continue in the long term, with little likelihood of improvement, and that it is highly unlikely that you will ever be able to pay the tax, then Debt Management should consider “remitting” the tax. This means that no further action is taken unless your circumstances improve unexpectedly. Remission is only likely to be given if you have low income, no assets, live in rented accommodation and are unlikely to return to work
Links for mental health support
We are aware of the impact that tax debt can have on mental health, causing sleepless nights, anxiety and stress. If you are struggling please reach out for support:
- Samaritans helpline or online chat service: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
- Shout: Text ‘Shout’ to 85258 for text-based mental health support: https://giveusashout.org/
- SANEline mental health support helpline: https://www.sane.org.uk/how-we-help/emotional-support/saneline-services
