Check eligibility
in 20 seconds
Apply online
in 2 mins
Decisions in
less than 1hr
Borrow between
£10,000 - £250,000
No fees to
settle early
What Can a Business Tax Bill Loan Be Used For?
When a tax bill lands, it can put serious pressure on your cashflow and working capital even if your business is performing well. VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE or unexpected HMRC assessments can all create strain, especially if they fall at the wrong time or clash with slow-paying customers and long payment terms.
This is where a business tax bill loan can help. But what exactly can this type of funding be used for, and when should you consider one?
Below, we explain how tax bill funding works, why businesses use it and how it can help you stay compliant with HMRC without disrupting your daily operations and finances.
What is a Business Tax Bill Loan?
A business tax bill loan is a short-term finance solution designed specifically to help companies spread the cost of their upcoming or overdue HMRC payments.
Rather than paying a large lump sum at once, a loan allows you to break the payment into manageable installments. This helps you to protect your cash flow whilst helping you avoid penalties and keeping your relationship with HMRC in good standing.
These loans can be unsecured or secured with terms typically ranging from a few months up to two years depending on your needs and affordability.
What Can a Business Tax Bill Loan Be Used For?
Businesses use tax bill loans for a wide range of HMRC obligations. Quarterly VAT payments are often one of the biggest strains on cash flow, especially when you are waiting for customer invoices to clear. Getting additional help to spread these VAT costs over manageable installments can make a significant difference. The same applies to Corporation Tax which typically is due just after year end expenses and supplier payments for most businesses. A loan provides the breathing room needed to settle the bill without disrupting day to day operations.
Tax bill funding is also commonly used to cover PAYE and National Insurance, ensuring payroll taxes are paid on time and avoiding penalties. For many SMEs, unexpected or overdue HMRC bills such as surprise assessments can create immediate pressure. Fast access to funding allows these to be resolved quickly, preventing additional charges or escalation.
If HMRC will not agree to a Time to Pay arrangement, a loan can offer an alternative way to spread the cost in a predictable, structured manner. For seasonal businesses, funding can help bridge periods of lower income so you can meet tax deadlines without compromising stock levels, staffing or supplier relationships.
Who Should Consider a Business Tax Bill Loan?
You may benefit from a tax bill loan if any of the following apply:
-
You have a tax deadline approaching and need to spread the cost
-
You’re facing an unexpected or higher than forecasted HMRC bill
-
Customers pay on long credit terms, affecting cash availability
-
You want to avoid penalties, late payment charges or compliance risks
-
You need quick and flexible access to funding
Lenders will typically assess turnover, cash flow, recent bank activity and trading history. These loans are particularly helpful for SMEs that experience seasonal fluctuations, rely on invoice payments or just require a fast approval from a lender.
Keep Operations Running Smoothly — Even When Tax Bills Spike
Understanding how tax bill loans work and using them strategically can help you stay compliant with HMRC whilst also protecting your day-to-day operations. Before applying, it’s sensible to assess your cashflow forecast and consider what repayment period works best for your business.
If you’d like personal guidance or want to explore your funding options, speak to the team at Century Business Finance — we’re here to help you take the pressure out of tax deadlines.
Your Fast Track To Funding
Businesses helped
Million funds sourced
Average turnaround from start to finish
Check If I Qualify
Check Eligibility without affecting your credit score
Check if you’re eligible in 20 Seconds
Apply online in 2 mins
Get your decision
Funds paid into your bank within 24 hours
As Seen In
Latest News

Eligibility Criteria For Working Capital Loan: What Lenders Look For

How Does A Working Capital Loan Work? Everything You Need To Know
