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A bill you didn't plan for
An HMRC enquiry can result in an unexpected liability — additional tax, interest and sometimes penalties — landing suddenly and often larger than current cash allows. The options mirror any tax bill: spread it with short-term finance, or arrange Time to Pay with HMRC. Clearing it promptly stops interest and penalties mounting. See finance for a tax bill and the Corporation Tax finance guide.
Finance versus Time to Pay
| Short-term loan / line | Time to Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you owe | The lender | HMRC |
| Certainty | Agreed terms | Discretionary |
| Bill status | Cleared on time | Outstanding, being paid |
| Interest/penalties | Stop once cleared | May continue |
A short-term loan or revolving line clears the bill in full and stops HMRC interest and penalties, spreading the cost on terms you control. Time to Pay spreads it with HMRC but is discretionary and the debt stays outstanding. Weigh both.
Get advice on the underlying bill first
Before financing, make sure the liability itself is right — a tax adviser may reduce or challenge parts of an enquiry outcome. Finance the correct final figure, not an unchallenged estimate. Then spread it affordably. Estimate the cost with our Corporation Tax calculator.
The Credicorp view
A short-term Credicorp business loan clears an unexpected tax liability on time and spreads it over manageable months on terms you control — stopping HMRC interest and penalties, with no personal guarantee. Register to apply. Educational content, not financial or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get finance to pay a tax bill after an HMRC enquiry?
Yes. A short-term loan or revolving line clears the bill in full, stopping HMRC interest and penalties, and spreads the cost over months on terms you control. HMRC's Time to Pay is an alternative that spreads it directly, though it is discretionary and the debt stays outstanding. Weigh both.
Should I use a loan or Time to Pay for an enquiry bill?
A loan settles the bill in full on agreed terms and stops interest and penalties, which some directors prefer for certainty. Time to Pay spreads it directly with HMRC but is discretionary and leaves the debt outstanding. The right choice depends on certainty, cost and your relationship with HMRC.
Should I check the bill before financing it?
Yes. Before arranging finance, make sure the liability is correct — a tax adviser may reduce or challenge parts of an enquiry outcome. Finance the correct final figure rather than an unchallenged estimate, then spread it affordably over a sensible term.
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