Bennett Jones can point you in the right direction, giving you the information you need to minimise the risk of penalties, deductions from your pay, and even Court proceedings including bankruptcy.
Employed workers have income tax automatically deducted from their wage/salary (the more you earn, the more you’ll have to pay). However, the self-employed need to prepare and file with HMRC their own tax returns, calculating the amount of income tax for which they’re liable. Advance payments, known as Payments on Account, may also need to be made. It’s all too easy to fall into income tax or VAT debt. Given that the amount you owe is subject to change every year, underpayment is a real problem.
Council tax debt
Whether you pay your council tax bill in one lump sum, or on a monthly basis, be sure to budget for these payments. If you haven’t received your bill, chase it up with your local council. It’s also worth checking that you’re in the correct tax band and whether you are entitled to lower payments due to your health, age or employment status.
If the council threaten to send bailiffs around or deduct money from your wages, get in touch with Bennett Jones for support. We can help explain your available courses of action.
Utility bill debt
If you miss one or more payment to your utility provider – be it for gas, electricity or water – you may find yourself falling behind to the point where the debt becomes unmanageable. Utility costs can arise unexpectedly, and occasionally paper bills can get lost in the mail. But, no matter what the reason might be, failing to pay on time will unsettle creditors. Utility companies appreciate good communication, so take the time to get in touch whenever you have a payment issue. If you can, set money aside for bills ahead of schedule and set up standing orders to make sure you’re meeting the payment deadline every month.
If your utility company is causing you worry by demanding money, speak to Bennett Jones.
Creating a budget
Budgets allow you to have more control over what you spend and keeps a check on your income and outgoings. Having a budget also helps you to plan for your future, pay off existing debt and save each month. Taking the first steps and facing up to the specifics of your debts can often be the hardest part, but Bannett Jones has everything covered. Our free budget planner helps you log all your income and outgoings and calculates a realistic picture of your finances. It also creates handy graphs that illustrate where exactly your money is going.
Bennett Jones’ role in your financial recovery
Bennett Jones can investigate what you’re spending, both personally and if you are self-employed in your business, and help you understand whether an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is the solution you need. Whether you need an IVA, an alternative debt solution, or simply information to help you organise your spending, we can deliver some peace of mind.
Start here
Fill in this form to get debt help and advice.
Why choose Bennett Jones?
Bennett Jones has helped thousands of people solve their debt problems. We understand how stressful and difficult life is when you can’t pay your debts and your bills.
You can trust Bennett Jones to help you if you are struggling to pay your debts. We specialise in Individual Voluntary Arrangements – a legal solution that allows for unaffordable debts to be written off. With an IVA from our team, you will make affordable repayments to your creditors over a fixed period, with the remaining debt written off at the end.
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is not suitable for everyone who needs help with their debts. If an IVA is not right for you we will give you free no obligation help so you can decide on the solution you need.
We are proud of our 5* Trustpilot reviews
April 2024, Adam
I would like to thank Bennett Jones for helping me with my IVA proposal. I'm a glass half full person but the realities of life and unforseen circumstances with finances had taken its toll. Bennett Jones has helped me to have a fresh start and take control back of my finances. It's a huge load lifted off my shoulders. Many thanks to the team for there support and professionalism.
March 2024, Sheezana
I can’t thank Laura enough for doing all the hard work for helping me sort out my finances. Great customer service, friendly, kept me in contact with everything that was going on. And made it happen. Great company too go to you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Bennett Jones and mostly thank you so much Laura for all your hard work. Making it happen