HMRC driving us to bankrupcy

Stresshead14

I'd be very grateful for any advice. Some years ago my partner went through a very bad patch - divorce, lost business and property and was badly in debt, including having outstanding taxes owing. He's now back on his feet and has payment plans in place, including with the HMRC. All the companies involved are being very understanding and helpful and we're slowly getting there.
However, despite having agreed a payment plan with HMRC, we get letters from various departments demanding seemingly random payments. One department cancelled the direct debit we'd set up, then another added a late payment fee because we'd missed a payment. Despite being told late payment charges would be frozen at the point we'd set up the payment plan they continue to add them so that however much we pay off only a small portion is actually paying off the debt with the rest going on interest and charges and we can't see any end to it. This year my partner filled in his tax return and submitted it on time. He made the requested payment as soon as it was due and we are ready to make the second payment - in our heads we were pleased that we're finally on top of it and we were actually looking forward to clearing it on time. However, HMRC have now sent a late payment demand for this, and have stated that all payments we make go towards the existing debt. Because of that, we will never by up to date - every year will go off the historical debt, with the new year added to the end. We want to do the right thing, but feel that HMRC are forcing us to a point where we will have no option but to go bankrupt.
Can you please advise if it is true that we can't pay my partner's current tax bill until all his previous tax debts are cleared? Thank you

tigerfeet2006

Have a chat with Tax Aid, they should be able to help.

http://taxaid.org.uk/

Stresshead14

Thank you Tigerfeet - much appreciated.