What to do if you don't get a receipt

stardust09

Hi,

I was wondering what I could do when I have to apply for things from big organisations who don't send you a receipt for your payment. I recently applied to the Information Commissioner's Office for an entry on the data protection register (£35) and to the Health Professions Council (another £90). Both organisations have sent me back the necessary certificates to show I'm registered with them but no record of my payment.

Do I need to ask them for a receipt or would copies of the certificates suffice for my tax records? Both were paid by cheque so there aren't any debits on my bank records to prove those companies were the ones that withdrew the money.

It's so annoying. How do other people manage this?

Stardust

HappyMJ

Get a copy of the cheque from the bank. Next time copy them before you send them.

bengalknights

Have your tried calling them up and asking for there relevant finance departments who im sure would be more than happy to issue an invoice with a paid stamp on it.

PlutoinCapricorn

This will only matter if HMRC asks to see evidence of expenditure. In your position, I would print off the order prices from the website, show the certificates and highlight the corresponding entries on the bank statement. Did you get any confirmation emails or covering letters?

In future, I might save or print the completed online order form, and as others said photocopy the cheque before sending it off. I myself always use a credit card for ordering online as the statement always shows the name of the company.

I wouldn't worry too much about it: Murphy's Law ensures that if your records and explanations are ready for inspection, HMRC won't decide to check them.

Savvy_Sue

We pay many things like that by online banking or credit card, and get a receipt emailed to us.

Acc72

You do not need a receipt of payment, but an invoice.

The "invoice" can effectively be the reminder letter / demand that you received.

I am guessing that neither of these payments were vatable? - just make sure that they are recorded correctly and you will be fine.

stardust09

Thanks everyone, that's very helpful.