CTM61561 | Close companies: loans to participators: company insolvent and loan irrecoverable

Where a company has become insolvent and is unable to pay its creditors, it is sometimes argued that the payment of tax due under CTA10/S455 (or also now under CTA10/S464A) on a loan to a participator should be waived because it will damage the interests of the company’s creditors (other than HMRC).

If a liquidator argues as above, the loan is irrecoverable, or no return payment is forthcoming, in spite of the company’s or the liquidator’s efforts and the Section 455 or Section 464A charge cannot be otherwise discharged (e.g. by write off), a report should be sent to BAI (CT Structure) with the files for the company and for the participator to whom the loan was made.