How Does HMRC & VAT Funding Work?

Tax bill finance allows your business to borrow the amount needed to settle an HMRC liability — whether that is a VAT bill, corporation tax, or another obligation. The lender pays HMRC on your behalf (or provides funds for you to pay), and you repay the lender in fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term.

As a credit broker, not a lender, Balanced Funding Solutions searches across our panel of UK lenders to find the most competitive terms for your situation. Arranging finance to pay your tax bill on time is almost always cheaper than the penalties and interest HMRC charges for late payment.

“A tax bill does not always land at a convenient time. Quarterly VAT payments or an annual corporation tax bill can put real pressure on a business that is otherwise trading well. Tax funding takes the sting out of it and lets the business keep moving.”
John Pemberton
John Pemberton
Director, Balanced Funding Solutions • 20+ years in financial services

Types of HMRC & VAT Funding

There are several ways to finance your HMRC liabilities. The right option depends on the type of tax, the amount, and how quickly you need the funds.

Quick Comparison

A side-by-side look at how the main options compare on the factors that matter most.

FeatureVAT FundingCorporation TaxPAYE & NICTTP Alternative
Typical term3-9 months3-12 months3-6 months3-12 months
Revolving facility?Yes (some)NoNoNo
Speed of setupDaysDaysDaysDays
HMRC involvementNoneNoneNoneNone
Security required?Usually unsecuredUsually unsecuredUsually unsecuredVaries
Best forQuarterly VAT billsAnnual CT billPayroll obligationsReplacing HMRC TTP

VAT Funding

Typical term3-9 months
Revolving facility?Yes (some)
Speed of setupDays
HMRC involvementNone
Security required?Usually unsecured
Best forQuarterly VAT bills

Corporation Tax

Typical term3-12 months
Revolving facility?No
Speed of setupDays
HMRC involvementNone
Security required?Usually unsecured
Best forAnnual CT bill

PAYE & NIC

Typical term3-6 months
Revolving facility?No
Speed of setupDays
HMRC involvementNone
Security required?Usually unsecured
Best forPayroll obligations

TTP Alternative

Typical term3-12 months
Revolving facility?No
Speed of setupDays
HMRC involvementNone
Security required?Varies
Best forReplacing HMRC TTP

Who Can Apply?

HMRC and VAT funding is available to a wide range of UK businesses. While each lender has its own criteria, the general requirements are:

  • UK-registered business (limited company, LLP, sole trader, or partnership)
  • Up-to-date HMRC filings (VAT returns, CT returns, PAYE submissions)
  • The tax liability is a known, quantifiable amount
  • Satisfactory credit profile for the business and/or directors
  • Typically at least 12 months of trading history

Even if you have an outstanding dispute with HMRC or are behind on filings, speak to us. We may still be able to help, or we can advise on the best course of action to get your situation resolved.

“The cost of HMRC late payment interest and penalties adds up fast. In almost every case, arranging private finance to pay the bill on time works out cheaper. It also keeps your HMRC record clean, which matters for future compliance.”
John Pemberton
John Pemberton
Director, Balanced Funding Solutions
The Process

How It Works

Arranging HMRC and VAT funding through Balanced Funding Solutions is straightforward. Here is what to expect at each stage.

1

Get in Touch

Tell us how much you need and what the finance is for. Online form, phone, or email.

2

We Search

We compare options across our lender panel for your budget and credit profile.

3

Your Options

Full transparency on rates, terms, and fees — no obligation to proceed.

4

Completion

We handle the paperwork. Funds typically released within 24–48 hours.

HMRC & VAT Finance Calculator

Estimate the monthly cost of spreading your tax bill. Adjust the figures to match your liability.

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Amount financed£0
Total repayable£0
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For illustration purposes only. This calculator provides an estimate based on the figures you enter. Your actual rate will depend on your individual circumstances, credit profile, and the lender’s criteria. Balanced Funding Solutions is a credit broker, not a lender.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Most HMRC liabilities can be financed, including VAT bills, corporation tax, income tax (for sole traders and partnerships), PAYE, and national insurance contributions. The key requirement is that the liability is a known, quantifiable amount.

In most cases, yes. HMRC charges late payment interest (currently linked to the Bank of England base rate plus 2.5%) plus potential penalties of up to 15% of the outstanding amount. A tax finance facility typically works out considerably cheaper than the combined cost of HMRC interest and penalties.

For straightforward applications, we can often secure approval within a few days. Funds can typically be released in time to meet your HMRC deadline, provided you come to us early enough.

HMRC simply receives the payment — they do not know or need to know how it was funded. The finance arrangement is between you and the lender.

Terms typically range from 3 to 12 months, depending on the lender and the size of the liability. Some lenders offer longer terms for larger amounts. Monthly payments are fixed for the duration.

It depends on the circumstances. If your existing Time to Pay arrangement is up to date, some lenders will consider refinancing it onto better terms. Speak to us and we can assess your options.
John Pemberton, Director of Balanced Funding Solutions
Written by John Pemberton
Director, Balanced Funding Solutions • Former Lloyds Banking Group • 20+ years in financial services

John founded Balanced Funding Solutions in 2009 after leaving Lloyds Banking Group. He has spent over two decades in financial services, arranging a wide range of business and commercial finance across the UK. All content on this page has been reviewed for accuracy.

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Last updated:

Reviewed by: John Pemberton, Director

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