"Distraint visit" by HMRC

VeryWorriedSick

Hi, we having been struggling to repay tax owed by my husband. We were told by HMRC that they would visit our home/business to put a Levy on any goods of value.
When the officer arrived we let her in. My husband has a laptop computer which he uses for his work as a web designer which we thought would be exempt as it is a 'necessary tool of trade' for him for work.
She has put a levy on it under a walking possession form. The computer is 6 months old and cost £350 new. Tax owed is over £7,000. This is the only asset of value that we have. She told us that it did not class as necessary tool of trade as we can go and buy another one.
I have sought advise from the business debt line, C.A.B, Taxaid, Accountant all of whom say that this shouldn't have happened. Business debtline say that I need to make Urgent Complaint to the Tax Office and refuse to give laptop as the Walking Possession form is invalid.
Phoned Tax office and was told they will return to collect computer in 5 days time. Have also written to them but we are worried that bailiffs will take computer and then my husband will be unable to continue working.
We are not avoiding paying tax bill just struggling very much financially. We have made offers of repayment but they have turned them down as it would take to long to clear the debt.
Do we just trust and do what business debt line have said? Do we have to let bailiffs in?

RAS

have you made your urgent compalint in writing?

You need to do this ASAP. Registered post.

earplugs

you might want to give this charity a call

http://www.taxaid.org.uk/index.cfm

they give tax advice to people.

good luck.

VeryWorriedSick

We have made complaint in writing as well. Have already spoken to Taxaid (thanks), who said that I should have refused entry to the officer from HMRC but did't realise we could do this at the time!