The Bank of England’s decision to reduce the base rate to 5% means that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will also reduce their interest rates.
The interest rates charged by HM Revenue and Customs on late tax payments, as well as the rates they pay on repayments are linked to the Bank of England’s base rate. Late payment interest is charged at base rate plus 2.5%. Repayment interest is paid at base rate minus 1%, subject to a minimum of 0.5%.
The reduced rates will apply from:
-12 August 2024 for quarterly instalment payments; and
-20 August 2024 for non-quarterly instalments payments.
If you need help with your tax or are concerned about being able to pay a tax payment, please get in touch. We can work with you to make a payment arrangement with HMRC.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hmrc-late-payment-interest-rates-to-be-revised-after-bank-of-england-cuts-base-rate
The latest Budget was packed with policy announcements, but according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), these policies will not really change the UK’s growth outlook over the next five years.
With the festive season underway and household budgets feeling the pressure, it may be useful to know that if you are worried about paying your tax bill in one lump sum, you may be able to spread the cost.