Taunton Town FC issued winding-up petition by HMRC

Taunton Town have been issued a winding-up petition

Taunton Town FC has been issued with a winding-up petition from His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The club, which plays in the National League South league, was issued the petition on Wednesday.

Taunton Town said in a statement: "We can confirm we owe no VAT as this was totally paid last week but we do have some PAYE outstanding with HMRC.

"We've been talking with HMRC but have received no guidance or help from them."

The club added: "As a result, we are in communication with the National League to help us find a solution to this short-term issue."

HMRC said it does not comment on individual cases but winding-up petitions are only filed once "all other options" have been tried.

A winding-up petition is the legal process that can be used against a company to recover money that's owed.

If the debt is paid in full then HMRC can end the process but a worst-case scenario could see Taunton Town, known as The Peacocks, liquidated.

The club are currently 20th in the National League South division

The club are in their second term in the sixth tier of English football, having won promotion to that level in 2021-22 for the first time in their history.

Although winding-up records are published in public records, there are no clear details on how much the club owes.

'Not severe... yet'

Dr Dan Plumley, football finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "This is the first step of the winding-up process, it's not the severe end of this situation yet.

"Despite the scary situation for the fans and what a winding-up petition looks like, nobody from any side wants to liquidate a football club.

"In this situation, it could take a little bit of time before we see the next steps."

A court hearing has yet to be scheduled.