Dealing with HMRC debt collectors
A visit from HMRC’s field force team (aka bailiffs) is always alarming, as well as being potentially damaging to the business’s reputation.
Unfortunately, these debt collectors can turn up even when there is no outstanding tax debt.
Say you have submitted an amended tax return that reduces the tax due. If this amended return has not been processed by HMRC, the original figure will still be shown as outstanding.
If the HMRC bailiffs do doorstep you, take the following actions:
- Don’t let them on to the premises – they have no rights of entry under civil law.
- If they have entered the property – ask them to leave.
- Ask the bailiff to leave the letter from HMRC’s debt management department.
- Call us as soon as actions 1 to 3 are done.
- Don’t let the bailiffs take away any business documents or information.
If the HMRC visit is part of a dawn raid under criminal law, call a criminal lawyer immediately, as different rules and procedures apply.
| Action Point! |
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| We are here to help if you are contacted by HMRC’s debt management department. |