Can a Direct Debit be set up without my permission or approval?

sam.hall

I have had several direct debits to HMRC set up from my business bank account without my permission or approval. Is this legal?

[Deleted User]

If they're not payments you recognise, dispute them with your bank.

colsten

HMRC do have powers to chase you for outstanding tax, and I believe they can legally take it from your account(s) if you don't pay what you owe. It's called direct recovery of debts. Your best bet is to talk to HMRC.

https://www.gov.uk/if-you-dont-pay-your-tax-bill/direct-recovery

phillw

The question "Can HMRC do...." is normally answered with yes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HM_Revenue_and_Customs#Powers_of_officers

18cc

I don't think HMRC have any special derogation from the the direct debit guarantee scheme which states that anyone setting up a direct debit on your account must let you know of the amounts and frequency of payment 10 days before any money is taken

you are free of course to immediately cancel any direct debit set up on your account

colsten

18cc wrote: »

I don't think HMRC have any special derogation from the the direct debit guarantee scheme which states that anyone setting up a direct debit on your account must let you know of the amounts and frequency of payment 10 days before any money is taken

you are free of course to immediately cancel any direct debit set up on your account

Judging by the information from the link I posted earlier, HMRC wouldn't just have set up that DD out of the blue. There will almost certainly be a significant history. If they have, however, acted out of the blue, then you are right , they will be subject to the DD guarantee.