HMRC Nightmare

Mr_Angry_Mk2

Advice Please.

I have just received a notice of underpayment for nearly £1,000 from the HMRC relating to the tax year 2008-09. This was a cheque they sent me in October 2008 but are now saying this was sent in error and want the money back before the 22nd January. I understand there is a 4 year limitation on errors but I guess this is on the tax year rather than when I received the cheque?

My wife had the same problem just before Christmas but for a much smaller amount. However when she contacted the HMRC about paying it in installments, they first wanted to know whether she had gone to the bank for a loan or asked family and friends to lend her the money and that the HMRC were a last resort not a first resort. She actually came off the phone in tears because of their attitude, we made a complaint but to no avail.

Any advice, any one can give would be greatly appreciated.

p00hsticks

I'm sorry that I'd don't have the knowledge to help you myself, but I think you'd be better off posting over on the tax board here;

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22

More information on the exact reasons why HMRC beleive that you owe tax would be helpful

[Deleted User]

who made the error?them or you?

Mr_Angry_Mk2

The HMRC sent me a cheque, this was back in October 2008, I probably accepted it without question, this part was probably my error.

mumcoll

I transferred 3k to HMRC in error and they told me it had to be in their account for 30 days until they would even look at returning it to me. It took 6 weeks in total for them to return money that was NEVER meant for them.

They are so quick to want money owed to them but not so when they need to repay money. Such double standards!

Hmm71

mumcoll wrote: »

I transferred 3k to HMRC in error and they told me it had to be in their account for 30 days until they would even look at returning it to me. It took 6 weeks in total for them to return money that was NEVER meant for them.

They are so quick to want money owed to them but not so when they need to repay money. Such double standards!

You did get it back in the end then, mumcoll? That's brilliant :T
You must have been so relieved if annoyed it took them so long, you're so right about double standards!

mumcoll

Yes I did Hmm71. After several stressful phone calls to HMRC - do they make it SOOOO difficult to speak to someone in the hope that no-one will ring them?

The attitude of one of their staff was appalling - absolutely no sympathy when I told them I was seriously overdrawn as a result of this (hubby out of work).

I got my MP involved in the end and asked him to look at the policy as the treasury is a government department, I'm sure nothing will change though, the interest they must receive must be massive. Grrrrr.