HM Tax Office

Red_Doe

Sorry if this kind of thing has already been posted (Hi btw, just joined )
but I am pretty grumpy with the Tax Office. Earlier this year, like others, I got sent out my Self Assessment Tax Forms. Unfortunately they sent me a Partnership form, whereas I`m a Sole Trader.
So I tried to call their offices. Sat on the phone for an hour, listening to muzak, on hold, got nobody and got fed up.
Tried for three days on the run, then gave up. Went online to see if I could email...they don`t have any way to contact them except by phone (that three hours waiting went on MY phone bill) or by post.
So I returned the wrong forms with a letter explaining why and please could I have the correct forms to fill in.
Months passed and though I tried to call them again, the same rigmarole happened. In desperation I contacted my local MP, who managed to get hold of them, and assured me next time I called I would be able to talk to someone.
I did, though it wasn`t easy...the first woman`s computer didn`t work so she told me to call again and speak to someone else.
Eventually I was apologised to but with no explanation, and told yes, they could send the forms out to me, but it would take about four weeks.
Since that`s too near the cut off return date for paperwork, I opted to download the forms from their site and send those in.
My MP actually volunteered to make a formal complaint on my behalf, because apparently I`m not the only one finding it impossible to get through to the Tax Office.
Funny though, they really really really DO want us to pay the ruddy taxes......
anyways, just wanted to let off steam.

gordikin

Why didn't you just download the forms on day 1 and avoid all the faffing?

Red_Doe

What can I say, I`m a traditionalist
It`s always been pretty straightforward...they send out the forms, I fill them in, job done. Til now, anyways.

gordikin

You're forewarned for next year! Smiley thing ;>)

Optimist

Red_Doe wrote: »

Sorry if this kind of thing has already been posted (Hi btw, just joined )
but I am pretty grumpy with the Tax Office. Earlier this year, like others, I got sent out my Self Assessment Tax Forms. Unfortunately they sent me a Partnership form, whereas I`m a Sole Trader.
So I tried to call their offices. Sat on the phone for an hour, listening to muzak, on hold, got nobody and got fed up.
Tried for three days on the run, then gave up. Went online to see if I could email...they don`t have any way to contact them except by phone (that three hours waiting went on MY phone bill) or by post.
So I returned the wrong forms with a letter explaining why and please could I have the correct forms to fill in.
Months passed and though I tried to call them again, the same rigmarole happened. In desperation I contacted my local MP, who managed to get hold of them, and assured me next time I called I would be able to talk to someone.
I did, though it wasn`t easy...the first woman`s computer didn`t work so she told me to call again and speak to someone else.
Eventually I was apologised to but with no explanation, and told yes, they could send the forms out to me, but it would take about four weeks.
Since that`s too near the cut off return date for paperwork, I opted to download the forms from their site and send those in.
My MP actually volunteered to make a formal complaint on my behalf, because apparently I`m not the only one finding it impossible to get through to the Tax Office.
Funny though, they really really really DO want us to pay the ruddy taxes......
anyways, just wanted to let off steam.

Sorry but that pushes on the boundary of belief......

Red_Doe

Is true..the woman on the phone actually said "I`m sorry you`ve been put through this" as if I would be traumatised! I just told her, considering you guys REALLY want our cash, you`d think you`d make it easier for us to pay it!

dori2o

Why not register to do the form online. It extends the deadline till 31/01/11 and gives you the calculation there and then when you have completed the form.

Red_Doe

dori20, I thought about that this year but remember last year`s troubles about filling the forms in online, too many people seemed to have a lot of trouble with it.