Court Appearance

[smithy69]

Morning peeps

I am after some advice as my sister has got herself into a big hole, and is struggling to get out of it. She is self employed within the equine industry and has always worked from as far as I am aware. She has been off work now for about 12 months as she had a little boy so only gets a tiny income from the state (which she hates taking). She lives with her boyfriend who earns a ok salary from what she has told me, but not exceedingly huge.(i would guess £20k).

She basically has had a tax bill come in which totals £900 and obviously has stated that she could pay it in small instalments, but they obviously want it in 1 go. They are not in a position to pay it all in 1 go.

Now I don't know the law that well, and have suggested that she speak to Citizens Advice. She basically has been told to appear in Court later next month with regards to this.Now she hasnt told anyone from my side of the family apart from me, and I unfortuently am not in a position to be able to pay this as I have a young family.

What are they likely to do to her when she appears in court. Will they arrange a payment structure for her to follow. Will this go down on her criminal or financial record.

Cheers Guys

[Newmanseye]

I am guessing this was a business tax owed, chances are the court will take in to consideration the current circumstances and will allow a delayed payment or an instalment plan.

i saw similar stuff happen when I worked for HM C&E

[smithy69]

she was self employed, much like a taxi driver is.

[Newmanseye]

then unless things have changes grossly in the last 8 years she should be ok, its a paltry sum by comparrison to others that are owed to the coffers of the tax man, probably be an installment plan.

[smithy69]

CHEERS MATE

£900 isn't alot of money in comparison to some, but she thinks it is huge. She is currently getting about £60 a week at the moment spare money so £900 is pretty big i suppose.

[Newmanseye]

no probs mate, I would suggest a visit to CAB for extra support and further advice, its best to haqve as much support as possible, and as an afterthought, we have different laws in Scotland, i'm not sure if the tax laws differ, best to get that checked as well.

[Graham C]

I'm guessing this is a pretty old debt?   I'm self employed too and you get ages to pay what you owe.  I still haven't sent in my return for the last tax year (ending March 2006) and it's not due until the end of January 2007 at the latest.  Even then, you can postpone it for another year and all you get is letters from them.

If it's newer than that, then there could well be an error on their behalf.  Also if she hasn't worked for the last year then she could well be due a bit of a refund depending on what periods of the tax year she hasn't worked for - worth investigating probably.

The tax man is unfortunately heartless.  They must get 1000's of calls about not being able to pay so they switch off to it.  I've phoned when I had a £3k tax bill to pay and couldn't and was told pretty much to pay it or else ( I think they threatened the bailiffs)  I asked to pay in installments too and they weren't interested either.    Cold hearted so and so's.  I don't begrudge paying my taxes but a bit of help or something for those that are self employed would be nice.

If it does go to court - I'm no legal expert but I can't see much other than the judge saying that it must be payed in installments happening - it's only £900 and in the scheme of things it's nothing.  The only thing is that you'll also get costs added on. 

Sorry I can't be much help other than being sympathetic, it's a stressful time dealing with the tax man - I totally sympathise with your sister and hope things work out well

[smithy69]

Cheers Guys

I think it is from 2005 from what she says but thats not 100%.

I passed on what you guys have said. She has called them and they apparently were very good, and told her that it is not in their interest to go to court as it simply costs tax payers money and they would rather set up an improved repayment structure.

I wil; lawait her call

cheers guys

[madasahatstand]

that sounds like good news smithy. she probably wont end up in court then as it would cost more than £900 to take her there. tell her good luck.

[tikay]

Tell her to go & see them, face to face, explain her predicament, & an amicable solution will be found. Oh, & tell her to be completely open & honest with them. The Bill, if correct, has to be paid, no point avoiding the inevitable, & I believe they will be reasonable & draw up a Payment Proposal to fit the circumstances. They know they can't get blood out of a stone, & they have no desire or need to end up in Court.

[bolt pp]

tell her to be completely open & honest with them.

wow, you must really dislike smithy.

[M3boy]

PM sent m8