Debt Warehousing Scheme Extended
On 13th January 2021 Revenue confirmed that the Debt Warehousing Scheme extended and remains available to support businesses experiencing tax payment difficulties arising from the current COVID-19 Level 5 public health restrictions, which are to remain in place until at least 31 January 2021.
The Debt Warehousing Scheme allows businesses to ‘park’ PAYE (Employer) and VAT tax debts arising from the COVID-19 crisis, as well as self-assessed income tax amounts (balance of 2019 Income Tax liability and 2020 preliminary tax) and Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme overpayments. These debts can be ‘parked’ on an interest free basis for 12 months following resumption of trading. At the end of the 12-month interest free period, the warehoused debt may be paid in full without incurring an interest charge or paid through a phased payment arrangement at a significantly reduced interest rate of 3% per annum. This compares to the standard rate of 10% per annum that would otherwise apply to such debts.
The terms of the scheme remain the same in that access is automatic for SMEs and on request for larger businesses.
It also remains a requirement that the business continues to file all relevant tax returns for the restricted trading period(s) so that the tax debt can be included in the warehousing scheme.
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