Tax return still not received

Innys

Guys

I sent my tax return by recorded delivery the Monday before last. According to the Post Office, it was delivered to the tax office exactly a week ago.

BUT, when I ring them they say it still hasn't been received. They do admit there is a backlog, but say, as I have proof of posting and delivery, it shouldn't be a problem. But then again, they would say that wouldn't they - if they want to fine me £100! :mad:

So how much longer should I wait before I fill out another one and take it, by hand, to my local office? I know they say they don't give receipts out, but given the hassle I have been through, I may insist.

Call me suspicious, but I do wonder if the no receipt policy and backlogs are being used as mechanisms to fine people £100 for no good reason.

Hoddie_2

If you pay what you need to pay on time, there won't be a penalty in any case.

ctm_2

They aren't saying it hasn't been received, theya re saying it hasn't been logged.

All items of post that are received are date stamped. Tax Returns then have to be logged onto your record as received. At this time of year it is normal for there to be a backlog of returns to be logged at some offices, especially the larger ones.

I wouldn't worry yet, just check on Monday if it's been logged or not. If it hasn't, then you could wait for it to be logged, or take your copy of the return (assuming you kept a copy) to a local tax office and hand it in. If you do that, make sure you see them stamp the date received on the front. You won't get a receipt.

The moral of the story... File online.

Mikeyorks

ctm wrote:

The moral of the story... File online.

Exactly right - you get an acknowledgement / computation etc all at the same time. And earlier repayment .. if one is due.

The standard issue paper ones have a barcode - that are used to log them onto your account - via a barcode reader. These are done in batches - and there will be a backlog at this point in time.

And no, it's not a device for HMRC to levy more fines. They don't benefit from the money, so why on earth would anyone consider they'd do that?

Innys

Update

Finally found out this morning that the return was logged yesterday, one week after they received it.

While filing on-line is the best option, it's not one all of us have. I will try and register to file on line in future, though obviously after 31 Jan!

Given the efforts that GB has gone to in an attempt to squeeze more money from the British taxpayer, I would not be surprised if increasing the potential for people to be fined was the plan. In my view, just because HMRC don't get the money, that doesn't mean they won't do it.

After all, HMRC don't get all of the tax they collect, but that doesn't stop them chasing us for it, does it? It's their job, and, in my view, it's also their job to maximise their income.

Mikeyorks

Innys wrote:

..... I would not be surprised if increasing the potential for people to be fined was the plan. In my view, just because HMRC don't get the money, that doesn't mean they won't do it..

.....pleased they logged your Return. But if what you say above has any status ... all their adverts in the run up to 31st Jan, to get you to file, is a bit self defeating?

Innys wrote:

After all, HMRC don't get all of the tax they collect, but that doesn't stop them chasing us for it, does it? It's their job, and, in my view, it's also their job to maximise their income.

As you say ... that's the job .... but they don't get a penny of what they collect (nor do their staff get a discount;) ) ... so it's not 'their' income