Corresponding with HMRC - trying to make progress

ceeforcat

Prospective client comes to see me with a tax code problem. He has recently retired from work but is not yet old enough to receive a state pension. He has a underpayment from an earlier year which was being collected through his PAYE code number relevant to his employer. Unfortunately HMRC has issued code 810 L to his pension provide – obviously incorrect as the underpayment is no longer being collected. How does he resolve this?

Sitting in front of me at 8.05 am (the only time one can get through on the telephone) he rings HMRC with list of statements to make – this has been provided by me.

His forenames are Mark John (not real), known by everyone as John and he has just moved house.


He fails the security questions as follows:

Their records show John, not Mark John and the address does not tie in. He points out that he has just move home. The National Insurance number and date of birth are correct as is the previous address provided. He mentions the underpayment amount and the fact that it is being collected through his code number and it is agreed that they do hold those details but cannot discuss as he has failed the security check. He points out that he owes money and is trying to pay it back – no movement. He asks if HMRC representative could talk to me with his authority – no chance as security check failed!

How do we resolve this? The answer was to write to HMRC and provide the new details. The letter will be actioned in four weeks. Would the problem be resolved at that time? The answer was ‘No. but we will be able to talk to you then!

Needless to say, an authority for me to act has now been signed.

This is what we are now up against!

potus64

You can ask your client to change his address via an online form. If you are registered as his agent online you can do it through your HMRC portal or if not you can go to this link

*I can't post links yet, too new!! You can go to HMRC site, type in search box change of address, go to the how to report it to HMRC link and then the email link, should be easy enough to follow, if you need the link I might be able to PM it*

First method generally goes into action within 24 hours, if you have to send the e-mail method it normally takes a week I find to go through. At that point try and get your client to contact again, or as you've done request authority (though that can take weeks)

Good luck,

Dan