Outstanding Tax Returns

Buster1874

Hello. I've used these boards before about the fact that for three years up until April 2010 I was not being taxed correctly on an occupational pension income that I receive as well as my salary. Towards the back end of last year I was sent three tax returns, for 2008,9 and 2010 to complete and return. I also got my 2011 return, trhat was duly completed and returned. As I haven't done the others yet (and this is the first time that i received a return for any of these years) I've been sent a reminder and a fine of £100! My point is that if I'd been sent the returns to complete in the first place I wouldn't have developed the amount of outstanding tax that I owe, and how come they can fine me for returning something late, considering that they were years late sending them out! Any advice please?

Mikeyorks

Presumably they have placed you in SA because you haven't paid the earlier underpayments (notified prior your posts in April 2011?) and haven't made an arrangement to pay?

Therefore you're now in SA in order (they did advise you with the original P800s) they can formalise the debt. Which means you will be charged interest etc .... which you would have avoided had you made an arrangement. As you've not completed the Returns within the 3 months allowed - you also get a £100 penalty.

chrismac1

The motto of HMRC is "Fine first and ask questions later!" I'd recommend:

1. Filing the returns.
2. Documenting exactly when they first asked you to complete them, calling them up and asking them to take off the fine.
3. If they refuse, dispute the fines in writing. Keep disputing all the way through the appeals process.
4. If what you say is true, in the end - if necessary at a Tribunal - you will win.

In my view, if they keep going they hope you'll just say that for £100 it isn't worth the effort let's just pack it in.

Buster1874

With reference to Mikeyorks' reply, I did write to them several months ago with an offer of monthly payments, but never got a reply.

Mikeyorks

This is what they said to you - with the P800s (which you must have received close to a year ago?) :

If paying the amount over a year would cause financial difficulty please contact HMRC on Tel 0845 3000 627 to discuss payment options, they. may be able to spread the payments over two or three years.
If you make an arrangement with HMRC to pay back the tax you owe, they will not charge interest on this amount.
If the payment due is £3,000 or more HMRC will contact you about how to pay.

Mikeyorks

chrismac1 wrote: »

4. If what you say is true, in the end - if necessary at a Tribunal - you will win.

Just what has been said that could lead to that conclusion?

BoGoF

Mikeyorks wrote: »

Just what has been said that could lead to that conclusion?

Seem some people can't post a reply without reference to a tribunal......