From 24 November 2008, HM Revenue and Customs have introduced a new, dedicated Business Support Service designed to meet the needs of businesses affected by the current economic conditions.

If you're worried about being able to meet tax, National Insurance, VAT or other payments owed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), or you anticipate that payments coming due will cause you problems, you can call the Business Payment Support Line below seven days a week.

HMRC staff will review your circumstances and discuss temporary options tailored to your business needs, such as arranging for you to make payments over a longer period. They will not charge additional late payment surcharges on payments included in the arrangement, although interest will continue to be payable on those taxes where it applies.

When to contact the Support Line

If you have payments due now or in the near future, the sooner you get in touch, the sooner they'll be able to see how they can help. If your payment isn't due yet, you can ring the Support Line nearer the time once you are clear about whether you will be able to pay them or not. But remember that you need to get in touch with them in advance. Don't wait until your payment is overdue.

Giving you a quick decision

In most cases they will be able to give you a decision in about ten minutes. For larger payment debts and those that are more complicated we may need to have a longer, more detailed discussion with you and may need to call you back before finalising payment arrangements.

Information they will need

To help them deal with your call as efficiently as possible, please have the following information to hand:

• your tax reference number
• details of the tax that you are or will have trouble paying
• basic details of your businesses income and outgoings

Advisers will only ask for the information we need to make a decision.

HMRC Business Payment Support Line

Tel: 0845 302 1435

Open Monday - Friday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8.00 am - 4.00 pm.