The government via HMRC are tightening the screws and are being less lenient in agreeing to defer demands for payment of tax. In particular they will not agree to defer tax that is late, so get in before the 31 July if you want to delay paying the Self Assessment payments on account for 2009/10 that are due this week.

You will have to show that you have exhausted all avenues in raising the cash and have tried the bank, family, friends, kids piggy banks etc before throwing yourself prostrate at their feet.

Further information: HMRC Time to Pay details