Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will allocate more resources to the dedicated HMRC helpline for businesses concerned about paying their tax as a result of the outbreak of covid-19.

At the Budget, the Chancellor directed 2,000 civil servants to staff HMRC’s dedicated Covid-19 helpline. HMRC are delivering an enhanced Time to Pay offer to fit the specific impacts of the virus. Time to Pay is available to all firms and individuals who are in temporary financial distress as a result of Covid-19 and are unable to pay their tax on time or have existing liabilities. The bespoke arrangement, which is agreed depending on circumstance, can cover all debts owed to HMRC. Taxpayers may be able to defer payments for up to three months if they are unable to make a payment immediately. The Covid-19 helpline can be reached by calling: 0800 0159 559 and enables those eligible to get practical help and advice. HMRC have already seen significant take-up of the service and will keep resourcing of the helpline under constant review as the situation develops.