Answer

What is HMRC preferential status in an insolvency?

HMRC has partial preferential status for certain taxes it collects on others’ behalf — VAT, PAYE and employee NIC — so it is paid ahead of floating-charge and unsecured creditors. This affects how much a lender recovers.

2 min read

HMRCPartly preferential
CoversVAT/PAYE/NIC
RankAbove floating charge

Where HMRC ranks

In an insolvency, certain taxes the company collected for HMRC — VAT, PAYE and employee National Insurance — are paid as preferential debts, ahead of floating-charge holders and unsecured creditors. Taxes the company owes on its own account rank lower.

Why it matters

Preferential HMRC status reduces what a floating-charge lender expects to recover, which can affect appetite and pricing for secured lending. Unsecured borrowing is unaffected by this ranking dynamic.

What it means for you

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally, and takes no personal guarantee. See business loans or apply online.

Frequently asked questions

Does HMRC get paid before my lender if I fail?

For VAT, PAYE and employee NIC, yes — HMRC has preferential status ahead of floating-charge and unsecured creditors, though not fixed-charge holders.

Why does this matter to a lender?

It reduces expected recovery for floating-charge lenders, which can influence their appetite and pricing on secured facilities.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.