IT contractors who have recently started their own business and who are looking for tax advice are being offered the opportunity to receive help from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The organisation is running sessions throughout the east of England on tax issues that are designed to help firms understand the tax system.

These courses will also brief businesses on the number of business-support initiatives that are currently available throughout the UK.

Roger Lovell, business liaison team manager at the organisation, said that these sessions will also offer a degree of practical advice.

He stated: "It's inevitable that some people will find tax issues daunting or be worried about meeting their liabilities during today's tough times."

A number of schemes are in operation by HMRC that offer support and assistance to IT contractors and Mr Lovell suggested that these will be discussed at the sessions.

Earlier this month, figures published by unbiased.co.uk showed that Brits made £503 million worth of self-assessment tax errors in the last 12 months, including late returns, miscalculations and surcharges on unpaid tax.