A NEW online tax forum and dedicated webchat service for small businesses and the self-employed has been launched by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The Small Business Online Forum is a quick and easy way for small businesses to get answers to their tax questions as well as help with:

• starting a business

• support for growing a business – including taking on employees and expanding

• buying and selling abroad

• completing tax returns

• tax credits.

There are 516,000 small businesses in the South West region. The forum can be accessed at: https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/webchatprod/community/forums/list.page .

Linked to the forum, HMRC’s new dedicated webchat service offers direct support to businesses and the self-employed.

Mel Stride, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, said: “The UK’s 5.4 million small businesses play a vital role in our economy. We want to help businesses get off the ground and support them as they grow.

“That is why we are launching a new forum and webchat service which will give these companies useful hints and tips – including how to complete tax returns, grow a business and trade outside the UK – so that they can continue to flourish.”

Alan Quick