HM Revenue and Customs

Modernising HMRC debt collection

28 July 2010 10:38

Debt collection agencies will be used by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) during 2010-11 to collect an additional £140m of tax debt.

The contracts have been signed with:

  • Commercial Collection Services Ltd
  • Credit Solutions Ltd
  • Fairfax Solicitors Ltd
  • iQor Recovery Services Ltd.

In the June 2010 Budget it was announced that, following a successful pilot, HMRC would use Debt Collection Agencies (DCAs) operating under industry and HMRC standards to boost HMRC’s debt collection capacity and help the pursuit of lower value debts.

Nick Lodge, HMRC Director, Debt Management and Banking, said:

“We are all expected to pay our taxes on time and most do.

“DCAs give HMRC vital additional capacity, strengthening our ability to pursue the debts of those who decline to pay. 

“We do understand that some businesses and individuals are not in a position to pay what they owe and we have put procedures in place to help those who are genuinely struggling. But those who simply refuse to pay have to be pursued, and our partnership with DCAs ensures they will be.”

Before the debt is referred to a DCA, HMRC will write to the debtor providing a final opportunity to pay or reach an agreement with the department.

Notes for editors

1.      For more information on the DCA pilots, see: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/cap-cap-pilot.pdf  and http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/reports.htm.

2.      People who have outstanding tax debts can find help at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/payinghmrc/problems/index.htm.

NAT 40/10

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office

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