THE taxman is to help businesses financially affected by foot and mouth.
A national helpline has been set up by Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue to take questions and reassure callers.
The help is directed mainly at businesses in rural areas whose incomes or sales are adversely affected by the outbreak and where debt rescheduling could help.
This includes waiving penalties for non-payment, waiving interest on outstanding debt, flexible timing for payment of declared amounts of tax and spreading balance over an agreed period.
In addition, Customs and Excise is offering a cash accounting scheme to all firms with under £600,000 turnover whereby VAT need only be accounted for when bills are paid. The national helpline is 0845 300 0157. For help with debt problems, call 01743 283116. The local helpline number is 01743 283191.
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