HMRC unveils new guidance sessions

Date: 28th September 2009

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is organising a range of free workshops for small business owners in Northern Ireland, in order to supplement their knowledge about their obligations.

Partnerships, sole traders and limited companies are targeted by the new programme, in which experts offer basic advice on taxation issues such as corporation tax and VAT.

In comments accompanying the announcement, HMRC suggested that the "challenging" economic times would make participation in the workshops particularly worthwhile for business people.

Julie Jones, business advice team manager for HMRC, said: "It's inevitable that some people will find tax issues daunting, especially those who are just setting out.

"HMRC runs a number of schemes to make tax as hassle free as possible, and at these events we will be happy to talk about our services, including on-line filing which is convenient and easy to use."

The sessions are to take place at a range of venues, including HMRC offices, over October.

Earlier this month, the government announced that it would increase the interest paid by businesses who are late in making their tax payments to three per cent.

These changes come into effect tomorrow (September 29th).