Tax refund reissuements apparently being lost in the post ?

Swiftkidd

Hi,

I phoned HMRC on 14th January 2013 to enquire about a tax refund which dates back to August 2010. I was employed on paye from February to August 2010 when suddenly I lost my job and didn't go back to employment or claim state benefits for the remaining tax year. I did not exceed my personal income tax allowance and wasn't aware at the time I could claim it all back until recently on January 14th 2013.

The guy claims HMRC sent out a cheque in late November 2011 to which I had no knowledge of and have not received said cheque so he said he would refer it to a different department who would look into it and re-issue the cheque he gave me a turn around of 8 weeks

I've waited 6 weeks and decided to call them just now and a women has claimed a re-issued cheque has been sent out on January 28th 2013 to which I have not received. I questioned why these had not been sent with sign for delivery and she states it's not a requirement and if I'd like another reissued cheque :mad:

Why the hell am I being made to work for my tax refund ? I requested if there was an alternative payment method such as a direct bank transfer and said I have to write to their paye self assessment office in Liverpool requesting payment that way and provide my bank information.

I asked her for the turn around and she said if it's received with-in several days I can expect a refund before end of March.. are these people making this stuff up ? I thought the long turn arounds were due to service cuts and back logs so I am suprised they're claiming it only takes them two weeks but suggest it may take two months ?

What shall I say in the letter and which information do I provide. She has cancelled the reissued cheque I just want to make sure I provide all the relevant information as it's not like I'll receive a postal reply :mad:

antonic

Please see my comments in RED

Swiftkidd wrote: »

Hi,

I phoned HMRC on 14th January 2013 to enquire about a tax refund which dates back to August 2010. I was employed on paye from February to August 2010 when suddenly I lost my job and didn't go back to employment or claim state benefits for the remaining tax year. I did not exceed my personal income tax allowance and wasn't aware at the time I could claim it all back until recently on January 14th 2013.

Monitoring your tax arrangements is your responsibility NOT HMRC`s

The guy claims HMRC sent out a cheque in late November 2011 to which I had no knowledge of and have not received said cheque so he said he would refer it to a different department who would look into it and re-issue the cheque he gave me a turn around of 8 weeks

I've waited 6 weeks and decided to call them just now and a women has claimed a re-issued cheque has been sent out on January 28th 2013 to which I have not received. I questioned why these had not been sent with sign for delivery and she states it's not a requirement and if I'd like another reissued cheque :mad:

HMRC have to make sure that the cheque hasnt been cashed by anyone else - if it hasnt they then cancel it and reissue it.
Also HMRC dont routinely send post out recorded delivery as it costs money

Why the hell am I being made to work for my tax refund ? I requested if there was an alternative payment method such as a direct bank transfer and said I have to write to their paye self assessment office in Liverpool requesting payment that way and provide my bank information.

They are asking for your bank information so they can make a BACS payment to you, which is more secure than sending a cheque, as you have discovered.

They are not making you work for your refund, instead they are making sure they have the right info BEFORE they make the refund - would you want your refund being stolen and cashed by someone else ?

I asked her for the turn around and she said if it's received with-in several days I can expect a refund before end of March.. are these people making this stuff up ? I thought the long turn arounds were due to service cuts and back logs so I am suprised they're claiming it only takes them two weeks but suggest it may take two months ?

No they are not making it up, the system may select the refund for security checks which can delay the refund being issued.

I assume you would be more upset if they told you it would take 2weeks and instead it took a lot longer ?

What shall I say in the letter and which information do I provide. She has cancelled the reissued cheque I just want to make sure I provide all the relevant information as it's not like I'll receive a postal reply :mad:

Make sure your letter shows the following :
Your address
Your name (both printed and signature)
Bank account details (sort code and account number)
PAYE reference number and NINO

Swiftkidd

I meant what should I say in the opening letter ? That makes sure my request get's processed without it getting tangled and stuck in senseless formalities.

Are they use to these kind of requests or is this special request ? I just state due to the two issued cheques not being received I'm now requesting payment by bank deposit ? and do I state the amount I'm due as I asked if the women on phone to confirm how much it was just encase that somehow messed up as well she said NO she can't

antonic

No problem !

Tell them :

1) Cancel the payable order as you never got it
2) Ask they confirm the address they sent it to
3) Ask them to make the payment direct to your bank account (provide your bank details)
4) Tell them to make it quickly (eg 2 weeks) as you have been inconvenienced because you didnt get the payable order and say you will complain via your MP if its delayed excessively
5) Give your name both printed and signed on the letter and quote your NINO , perhaps even provide a contact number ( they will ring mobiles)
6) Dont bother sending the letter recorded or special delivery (waste of money and anyone can sign for it) just get a proof of postage receipt from the Post Office

Hope this helps

Swiftkidd wrote: »

I meant what should I say in the opening letter ? That makes sure my request get's processed without it getting tangled and stuck in senseless formalities.

Are they use to these kind of requests or is this special request ? I just state due to the two issued cheques not being received I'm now requesting payment by bank deposit ? and do I state the amount I'm due as I asked if the women on phone to confirm how much it was just encase that somehow messed up as well she said NO she can't

Skint_yet_Again

Just to let you know that as I understand it the PAYE system does not have electronic transfer and I was told you have to send the name and address of the bank and they POST the cheque to your bank

Also I understand that if you write the words "repayment claim" on the top of your letter (not on the envelope, on the actual letter) this is dealt with as priority

Hope that helps

Swiftkidd

antonic wrote: »

No problem !

Tell them :

1) Cancel the payable order as you never got it
2) Ask they confirm the address they sent it to
3) Ask them to make the payment direct to your bank account (provide your bank details)
4) Tell them to make it quickly (eg 2 weeks) as you have been inconvenienced because you didnt get the payable order and say you will complain via your MP if its delayed excessively
5) Give your name both printed and signed on the letter and quote your NINO , perhaps even provide a contact number ( they will ring mobiles)
6) Dont bother sending the letter recorded or special delivery (waste of money and anyone can sign for it) just get a proof of postage receipt from the Post Office

Hope this helps

Should I include a PAYE reference number, I have my P45 & P60 which shows an 'Employer PAYE reference' do I use my employers PAYE reference or should I have my own PAYE reference number as I don't think I have one ?

Also as skint yet again has advised I'm using a signpost heading to reduce processing times and help reach the correct department

There is a list of headers here:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/agent-letter-pilot.htm

I have chosen to use 'Self Assessment/PAYE repayment' is that a fitting header for my request that will get me into the correct department as my repayment claim has already been approved I just need a reissued payment sent to my bank ?

Will they send a cheque to my bank and will my bank automatically process & cash it into my account


So far I have my first name, middle names & surname followed by my full address with my mobile & landline contact number.

Below that is RE: Self Assessment/PAYE repayment claim for <My full name and national insurance number>

Then I'll tell them what I'm writing to them for but how can I make it perfectly clear that my tax refund claim from tax year 09/10 has already been approved so they don't request further information like my P45 or P60 and that I just need them to issue the payment to my bank as cheque's by postal order are not being received ?

Also who should I address this letter to. I'm using this template cover letter

https://www.issgroup.co.uk/docs/HMRC_coverletter.pdf

Should I copy what they've put 'HM inspector of taxes' then below 'To whom it may concern' and would it be acceptable if I typed this on the computer and sent it or is a hand written letter best.

The address I was given over phone was

HM Revenue & Customs
Paye self assessment
po box 1970
liverpool
LB75 1WE

Should I use paye self assesment or just pay as you earn and also looks like I jotted down wrong post code so will use one below

HM Revenue & Customs
Pay As You Earn
PO Box 1970
Liverpool
L75 1WX

I see your occupation shows government employee do you work for HMRC

Swiftkidd

This is a screen shot image of the letter I plan to send. Doe's it look ok and have I missed anything ? Should I state the payable amount I think I'm due ?