Tax Rebate/Self Assessment 'Security Check'

Horseunderwater

30 years ago I started working for HMRC(inland revenue back then). One of my first tasks was monitoring the enquiry counter when the bell rang. We would take basic details and go search out the persons records/file and their schedule ( D/E). Self employed or PAYE. 2nd lady of the day came in and alsmost whacked me with her walking stick as she had been waiting 2 years for a rebate due. It was substantial she shouted at me from across the room. Told her that for me to track her papers down I needed details not a walking stick on me head, while smiling and talking calmly to her. Said if she would take a seat I would go find her file and get something done. It took 2 hours to track it down and work it all out, I personally did the arith check and got it signed off with the inspector and she had her check issued with interest there and then. It was indeed a large sum. Meanwhile each time we did each stage I would go and update her. It was so worth it that day. I was only 18 then, but my Mother always told me to treat others as I wanted to be treated and that was what I did then. I got thanked by the lady concerned and my Inspector said they could learn a lot from me and my ethics. Those were the days when they did not have any computers present! Mostly the PC has been a good thing in speeding up stuff, but sometimes officialdom has a way or system designed that seems stupid to the rest of us. However the checking system was in place then too - it was just manually done instead.

gold_dollar_boy

chrismac1 wrote: »

Put everything in writing. Head it up COMPLAINT. Spell out the fact that there are consequential losses and that you'll be seeking compensation. Tell them you're amazed they are treating an unrepresented taxpayer like this, especially when you've told them several times of the hardship you are suffering as a direct result. Say you are at the end of your tether and considering writing to your MP as a last resort.

In this letter you are more or less putting all of your cards on the table at once. I prefer to play them out one or two at a time like a good card player would. But you are desperate and need to put them under pressure.

I like to get them on the back foot. If I get in a situation where my foot is on their throat I press hard and keep it there. This gets results. Like a lot of accountants who deal with them professionally and ruthlessly, I win over 95% of the time, have been awarded compensation by HMRC every single time I have sought it, have won every single Tribunal case, they've folded every single enquiry within 6 weeks which is moving at the speed of light for these jokers.

Get your foot heading toward that neck, press it hard and keep it there.

Hi Chris,

My letter, was in a similar vain to what you have advised, I did lay everything on the line. I think, as you say, this is a better tactic than dilly dallying about.

It was posted to them about 10 - 15 days ago, i will call them again today to see if it has been recieved, I imagine and I would like to think the content of the letter should spur a little urgency from them.

ta

ben

gold_dollar_boy

jimmo wrote: »

Have you seen this?



I would go a bit further than that and complain to your MP now.

As I understand it in today’s HMRC the front line staff only know that your repayment is subject to a security check because that is all the computer will tell them. They can’t tell you how long the security check will take because they don’t know.

That may be irritating but bearable for a week but not for 3 months.

If there is a genuine security problem you are unlikely to ever be told exactly what the problem is because that would undermine the security procedure so I think you have reached the point where you need reassurance from someone in authority.

By the way, I am on Virgin Broadband and, today, Virgin Security blocked my access to the HMRC website as a suspect site for phishing, spreading viruses etc.
Is someone trying to tell me something?

I have done the email, call and letter, to their complaints department, once this has been recieved, which they should acknoweldge this week or next, I will move to the next stage of complaints.

gold_dollar_boy

jimmo wrote: »

Have you seen this?

　

I would go a bit further than that and complain to your MP now.

As I understand it in today’s HMRC the front line staff only know that your repayment is subject to a security check because that is all the computer will tell them. They can’t tell you how long the security check will take because they don’t know.

That may be irritating but bearable for a week but not for 3 months.

If there is a genuine security problem you are unlikely to ever be told exactly what the problem is because that would undermine the security procedure so I think you have reached the point where you need reassurance from someone in authority.

By the way, I am on Virgin Broadband and, today, Virgin Security blocked my access to the HMRC website as a suspect site for phishing, spreading viruses ETC.
Is someone trying to tell me something?

Great news, after 6 - 7 months of security checks, cross referencing, administration and dilly dallying from HMRC and over 25 calls, 7 emails and 1 letter from me.... they have sent the money.

It changed from 'payment under checks' to 'pending bank repayment' on December 12th.

Then from 'pending bank transfer' to 'bank repayment' 2 days ago.

So should be in my bank early next week.

Funny it got approved within weeks of my complaint letter.

Anyway, all is well.

John_Pierpoint

Do complaint letters get opened that fast?
25 calls and 7 emails - that should boost HMRC's statistics for answering the telephone and justify retaining more staff to keep up the good work?

gold_dollar_boy

still not arrived. Been told any day now...

Mark68

I submitted a SA return, 3 months ago. My first one, offsetting PAYE against my new business. As I was advised this was possible.
I contacted HMRC and advised the same and need to complete a SA return, which I did. It indicated an overpayment and a refund would be made. Now 3 months later, I still have had no repayment.
I called and asked them why and they said 4 weeks wait, as a security check was talking place. Nothing in writing.
4 weeks went by, I called again, to be told the same thing, 4 weeks wait as a security check was taking place.
This went on and on and on and on.
I wrote to my MP, who asked for the letters they sent me, which I have none. Only phone calls. I tried to speak to a complaint handler as per their web site. They don't exist. and a manager would call me. Nothing.
And now today, the web site has changed from pending to 24th September PAID. Nothing received in my bank. I am suggesting we should receive additional compensation payments, as we would be charged if we paid late.

Gregg53

Mark, I understand your frustration as I went through similar, but the money should be in your account in the next few days.

Gregg