DMBM537420 - Debt and return pursuit: Climate Change Levy: earliest date for enforcement of a CCL debt

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Overview

Most businesses file returns and pay the levy quarterly.

A return must be rendered and paid by the last working day of the month immediately following the end of the relevant accounting period (Regulation 2 (2) and Regulation 6 (1) of the Climate Change Levy (General) Regulations 2001 [S.I. 2001/838]).

The Central Collection Unit (CCU) (CCL) sends out CCL returns approximately 10 days before the end of the accounting period.

Businesses paying by direct debit (not credit transfer) are given an additional 7 days to pay (Regulation 6 (3) of the Regulations

Seven days after the due date (the last working day) CCU (CCL) issues a prime assessment in the absence of a return. There is provision for additional assessments.

Assessments are subject to review and appeal.

Voluntary disclosure

If a trader makes a voluntary disclosure and the amount of levy involved is more than £2000 the officer issues an assessment that will generate a Notice of Voluntary Disclosure to the debtor. Voluntary disclosures can be made at any time.

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Enforcement timetable

The enforcement timetable for civil recovery of a CCL debt is generally:

Return

Due date + 1

Assessment issued in absence of a return

46 days from date of issue

Assessment issued in the absence of an acceptable return / officers’ assessment

46 days from date of issue

Assessment reduced or increased on review or on appeal to tribunal

31 days from the original date of issue

Interest

46 days from date of issue

Civil penalty

46 days from date of issue