HM Revenue and Customs to use DCAs - 21/05/2009

[PGH7447]

Credit Today online HM Revenue and Customs to use DCAs - 21/05/2009 HM Revenue and Customs will start to refer debtors to debt collection agencies (DCAs) under wider plans to improve its collections rates of outstanding tax.The pilot scheme will involve HMRC sending out letters this week to selected businesses and individuals warning that if they fail to contact the government department within a certain period of time, they will be referred to the collection agencies.HMRC said that while the debt collectors will be allowed to write to and telephone late payers during the six-month trial, they will not be permitted to visit people’s homes or carry out any litigation work. A spokesman for HMRC said: "We have identified a number of potential debt packages to trial. These cover a range of types of tax, sizes and ages of debt, and include both individual and business debtors."We retain a flexible approach to ensure we get the best result for the taxpayer. Using private sector capacity has the potential to complement this approach and that is what we are now exploring."The trial has been launched in response to a report by the National Audit Office that recommended HMRC to explore alternative arrears management procedures. But any DCA that HMRC uses to collect debts has had to show they will be fully compliant with the code of practices and procedures that HMRC adopts itself. -

 

 

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I wonder if the first people they chase are these thieving MP's

[lickthewallfatboy]

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I wonder if the first people they chase are these thieving MP's

 

this country stinks-the BBC got hold of a copy of HMRC tax guideline pamphlet for Ministers and MP's

 

it is the complete opposite of what applies to johnny pleb on the street when it comes to CGT on selling 2nd homes

 

it says that it doesn't matter if the "2nd home" for tax purposes is actually the main residence....they'll still be exempted,but if some ordinary bloke buys a place to do up and sell on,he's nailed to the wall by the taxman,presumably to pay for duck islands,moats and porn movies

 

this place needs gutting big time,but the British people are much too reserved to actually take the real action that's needed

[42man]

This will be interesting....I wonder if they will just be chasing ? or whether debts will actually be purchased/sold by the DCA's/HMRC ?

[cerberusalert]

It seems to be the thin edge of the wedge. What next, give them full access to HMRC, DWP & DVLA databases? Something which DCAs have been lobbying goverment for the past few years.

[babybear39]

HMRC already has an effective collections dept. I know, I was bullied by them late last year into a repayment plan I can't really afford. Then when I was paying they kept sending me nasty letters, much worse than any DCA. I had to call them to stop as it was stressing me out and making me ill. All they did was check my account and say sorry the letters were sent out in error!!! The debt was only just over £100!!!

Edited May 22, 2009 by babybear39
added something