Extra safeguards are to be placed around the taxman's controversial new powers to seize money directly from people's bank accounts, the government has announced.
The government has been consulting on plans to enable HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to recover cash straight from bank and building society accounts, including joint accounts and Isas, belonging to people or businesses who refuse to settle tax or tax credit debts.
It said today that all debtors who are being considered for this process will get a face-to-face visit from an HMRC officer, which will give them the chance to challenge and settle their affairs.
Those who pay up in full or agree to a repayment plan will not go through the process of having money clawed from their bank account.
Face-to-face visits will also help HMRC officers to identify people who are potentially vulnerable and offer them support. A specialist unit will be set up to deal with cases involving vulnerable people, and a dedicated helpline will be set up.
Debtors who refuse to respond to correspondence from the taxman will also see their account put on hold for 30 days, giving them time to arrange payment or object, before any money is taken.
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