HMRC can now take money straight from taxpayers' bank accounts without a court's permission, an expert warns

Claire Cox, who runs the Debt Crisis To Clear UK page, says the taxman 'isn't like other creditors' because it needs no county court sign-off. Its Direct Recovery of Debts power was shelved during the Covid pandemic and came back in April. Only accounts holding more than £1,000 are targeted, and at least £5,000 must be left behind. Seized cash is frozen for 30 days while debtors object or appeal.

HMRC is also set to deduct money directly from the bank accounts of tax evaders.

In Scotland, sheriff officers can give debtors just 14 days to pay up.

Cox warns struggling taxpayers that 'ignoring them makes everything worse'.