Another tax one - I can't pay and it's stressing me out

[streetsbehind]

Hi,

I am just completing my self assessment and it looks as though I am going to have a bill of around £900. I am so stressed over this as I don't have the money to pay this back by 31st January.

I don't think that HMRC will allow me to have a repayment plan as I had to ask for help last year and still owe £500 from the previous tax year, taking my total debt to £1400.

For context, my dad died at the very start of last year and I totally lost the plot. I also had to support with funeral costs. It was (and still is) a horrible time and it's basically ruined my life,

So, I am fairly sure I can get the money paid by May/June - do I just pay what I can? Is there any point in even asking for another payment plan? I am at a bit of a loss with it all at the moment. I totally agree that I have to pay it back - I am not a tax avoider!

In reality, what action will they take for a £1400 debt?

Phone them. If you don't get someone nice, phone back until you do. Sob and say you can't afford it and tell them why.

Try and get the new debt included into the existing arrangement

www.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-how-to-pay-a-debt-to-hmrc-with-a-time-to-pay-arrangement#debts-that-can-be-included-in-a-time-to-pay-arrangement

If you have another new debt to HMRC
We expect new debt to be paid in full, and on time. You should contact uss as soon as possible if you cannot pay your tax bill in fulll.
If you’re already making monthly payments into a Time to Pay arrangement, then this can be amended to include this new debt. Before we can do this, we’ll need to talk to you about your:
• income
• expenditure
• asset position

Call them. Don’t ignore it/hope it will go away.

I’ll call them today. I’ve been awake all night worrying

You can set up standing orders to HMRC with your tax number.

Can you afford £100 a month?