Bankruptcy: Tax Avoidance

(asked on 29th June 2021) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to ensure that HMRC does not enforce payment of the Charge or settlement sums by people facing bankruptcy as a result of the Loan Charge.


Answered by
Jesse Norman Portrait
Jesse Norman
This question was answered on 6th July 2021

There are many reasons why someone might be facing bankruptcy, including as a result of a non-HMRC debt. Some individuals may choose to enter insolvency themselves based on their overall financial position. HMRC are therefore unable to determine if an individual is facing bankruptcy as a result of the Loan Charge specifically. However, HMRC only ever consider enforcement action as a last resort and will always attempt to engage in discussion with a taxpayer regarding payment, and where appropriate, agree a manageable payment arrangement based on individual circumstances. In addition, HMRC will only ever consider pursuing bankruptcy as a last resort, for example where the taxpayer is refusing to pay but has the ability to do so.

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