Skip to main content

HMRC adopts distraint tactics

By July 29, 2013Insolvency

The number of petitions issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to wind up companies and place them in liquidation has decreased 42% over the last year to reach its lowest figure in five years.

According to new figures from legal services firm Pinsent Masons, HMRC issued 3,733 petitions for winding up companies in 2012/13, compared to 6,440 in 2011/12.

Similarly, the number of winding up orders successfully obtained fell by 25% in the last year, from 3,339 to 2,541.

Serena McAllister, senior associate in restructuring at Pinsent Masons, said the figures “speak for themselves”.

She explained: “The drop in petitions to wind up companies and place them into liquidation, combined with evidence that suggests HMRC is increasing using its powers to seize business assets, show that HMRC is now using distraint as its preferred method of enforcement.

“This tactic appears to be paying off as HMRC’s recovery rate has increased significantly, which is good news for the taxpayer although not so good news for businesses.

“HMRC is becoming increasingly aggressive in the use of its powers. For some companies, particularly SMEs, the seizure of its assets could be the final blow and may even force businesses into insolvency in some instances.”

For the full story click here

Maidment Judd

Author Maidment Judd

More posts by Maidment Judd

Leave a Reply