--- title: "Southend United Pay Tax bill before Winding-up Petition Hearing" url: https://windinguppetitionsolicitors.co.uk/southend-united-pay-tax-bill-before-winding-up-petition-hearing/ date: 2023-03-01 modified: 2026-06-02 author: "Winding-up Petition Lawyer" description: "Southend United Football Club, a professional football club based in Southend-on-Sea, England, is currently facing financial difficulties. The club recently failed to pay its tax bill on time and was..." categories: - "COVID-19" - "High Court" - "HMRC" - "HMRC Petitions" - "Insolvency" - "News" - "Winding-Up Petitions" tags: - "Football Clubs" - "High Profile Winding-up Petition" - "HMRC" - "HMRC Winding-Up Petition" - "Insolvency" - "Winding Up Petition" - "Winding-Up" image: https://windinguppetitionsolicitors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Southend-1024x576.jpeg word_count: 662 --- # Southend United Pay Tax bill before Winding-up Petition Hearing Southend United Football Club, a professional football club based in Southend-on-Sea, England, is currently facing financial difficulties. The club recently failed to pay its tax bill on time and was due to appear in the High Court to face a winding-up petition. However, the club was able to pay the bill just in time to avoid the hearing. Need a second opinion on your insolvency litigation? [Our specialist solicitors & barristers](https://lexlaw.co.uk/winding-up-petition-lawyers/) can help by assessing your case prospects and whether a [winding-up petition](https://lexlaw.co.uk/practice-areas/winding-up-petitions-solicitors-london/) is the right tool. We have highly experienced dual-qualified lawyers, so if our view is your case has limited merit or high risk we can advise you of the best strategy in our first meeting. ## The Impact of COVID-19 on Southend United The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the football industry as a whole, with reduced revenue from ticket sales and merchandise. Southend United is no exception, and the club's owner, Ron Martin, has cited the pandemic as the main reason for the club's current financial difficulties. With matches played behind closed doors and restrictions on social gatherings, the club has lost a considerable amount of revenue. ## Southend United's Financial Struggles Southend United owes a significant amount of money to HM Revenue and Customs, which led to the winding-up petition. In addition, the club has made some mistakes in the past, such as overspending on player wages. These factors have contributed to the club's current financial struggles. ## Southend United's Response Ron Martin has spoken out about Southend United's financial struggles, stating that the club is committed to finding a solution and is optimistic about the club's future. He has emphasized the club's strong fan base and dedicated staff, expressing confidence that the club can overcome its current financial issues. ## Possible Solutions There are several solutions that Southend United could explore to overcome its financial struggles. One solution is to negotiate a payment plan with HM Revenue and Customs to repay the debt in installments. The club could also reduce expenses, such as player wages and non-essential spending, to help balance the budget. Another option is to seek external investment or find a buyer for the club. ## What does the Future Hold? Southend United Football Club is facing financial difficulties due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and past mistakes. However, the club is committed to finding a solution and is optimistic about the future. Possible solutions include negotiating a payment plan with HM Revenue and Customs, reducing expenses, or seeking external investment. With the support of its fans and staff, Southend United can look to a brighter future. ## How Can We Help you Oppose a Winding Up Petition? Our specialist [winding-up petition lawyers](https://lexlaw.co.uk/winding-up-petition-lawyers/) are experts in defending winding-up petitions. We can advise you as to the specific merits and demerits of your case and can assist you in opposing winding up petitions and negotiating with creditors. If your company has been issued a winding-up petition or statutory demand, you may be able to challenge that petition on the following grounds: That the debt alleged in the [statutory demand](https://windinguppetitionsolicitors.co.uk/statutory-demand-set-aside-lawyers-london-hmrc/) or petition to be owing is genuinely disputed on substantial grounds by your company; Your company has a genuine right of set-off against the creditor that exceeds the amount claimed in the statutory demand; or In certain other limited circumstances (for example such as jurisdiction, technical or procedural error or delay). To [oppose a winding-up petition](https://windinguppetitionsolicitors.co.uk/opposing-a-winding-up-petition/), you will initially need to file a witness statement in opposition with the Court within five business days before the date when the petition will be heard by the Court (rule 7.16 of the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016). A copy of that witness statement will need to be provided to the petitioning creditor at least five business days before the hearing. Your company is entitled to appear at the [petition hearing](https://windinguppetitionsolicitors.co.uk/winding-up-petition-hearing-representation/) so as to oppose the making of a [winding-up order](https://windinguppetitionsolicitors.co.uk/company-winding-up-order-application-unjust-rescind-appeal-court-insolvency-hearing-representation-company-director-legal-advice/). It is a routine matter for companies to instruct solicitors and/or barristers to appear on their behalf at the hearing.