taxreturngateway.com

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

hollydays wrote: »

I don't believe it..

don't believe what?

NickYCFC

I think the comparions between the HMRC site and this site are slightly misleading. If (like me), you've never submitted a tax return online before, you have nothing to compare it to and no expectation of what the official site would look like. I have learned from the posts above that these sites would all have .gov.uk suffixes. Again, I didn't know that at the time, but wouldn't have thought it beyond the realms of possibility that the form-filling might have been outsourced to a 3rd party supplier.

Thanks for your question, ThumbRemote. I'm afraid I don't have access to that page anymore, but you have my word that the figures in my original post are accurate. I can't say with absolute certainty that there was no small print on that screen (or linked from that screen) describing what the funds were for, but I'm NORMALLY quite good at checking for loopholes when I'm asked for large amounts of money, and double-checked the wording with my wife, just to confirm it seemed sensible. The implication of the wording from her and my recollection was that I owed x amount in tax and if I wanted to submit my return online I would effectively have to make good that debt. I am absolutely convinced that there was no clear statement that this was a service charge, but I stand to be corrected.

I'm taking some comfort from the fact that I'm not the only person to have made this mistake, but I also think that suggests that even if there is no INTENT to deceive, people are being deceived. For those of us drawn like moths to the 'Gateway' URL and the big 'Submit Your Tax Assessment Online Now!' button (because we're naive/simple/luddites), a simple tick box or button confirming that the customer understands that this is not the HMRC site and that the service is chargeable would prevent people making this mistake.

I'm sure many of you would perceive that as unnecessary, but this would at least ensure that their service was being used by people who WANTED the extra level of suppor they offer.

powerful_Rogue

NickYCFC wrote: »

I'm taking some comfort from the fact that I'm not the only person to have made this mistake, but I also think that suggests that even if there is no INTENT to deceive, people are being deceived. For those of us drawn like moths to the 'Gateway' URL and the big 'Submit Your Tax Assessment Online Now!' button (because we're naive/simple/luddites), a simple tick box or button confirming that the customer understands that this is not the HMRC site and that the service is chargeable would prevent people making this mistake.

You havent been deceived though. You failed to read what you was purchasing and as such purchased a service you didnt want.

You also said you agreed to the terms and conditions which again highlighted the fact that this site was not connected with HMRC.

bod1467

dodger1 wrote: »

Now that's a good point. I don't believe they are scammers but they should get the figures correct. That could possibly be a way of getting a refund.

The comparison table says they offer "Free reprocessing/repeat service for up to 1 month in the event of any errors".

dodger1

NickYCFC wrote: »

I'm taking some comfort from the fact that I'm not the only person to have made this mistake, but I also think that suggests that even if there is no INTENT to deceive, people are being deceived

If there is no intent to deceive then it's not possible to be deceived. People have spent their money by making a mistake and not deception.

wealdroam

NickYCFC wrote: »

For those of us drawn like moths to the 'Gateway' URL and the big 'Submit Your Tax Assessment Online Now!' button (because we're naive/simple/luddites), a simple tick box or button confirming that the customer understands that this is not the HMRC site and that the service is chargeable would prevent people making this mistake.

That's a good point you make Nick.

Perhaps you should put that idea to those people that may be able to force a change... maybe your MP, the OFT, Consumers Association, etc.

NickYCFC

Thanks for the suggestion wealdroam - I'll do that.

Mrs_Z

My symphaties for the OP, I got duped exactly for the same reason AND I have submitted an on-line tax return last year directly to HMRC.... So an expensive lesson for me too, can't believe I fell for this. I never even realised I was not on HMRC domain, I thought Gateway was a secure way of submitting your form. Looking back it is blatantly clear but at the time my eye was drawn to the 'Submit your on-line tax return' button.... Well, they won't get my repeat business next year!

dodger1

Mrs_Z wrote: »

My symphaties for the OP, I got duped exactly for the same reason AND I have submitted an on-line tax return last year directly to HMRC.... So an expensive lesson for me too, can't believe I fell for this. I never even realised I was not on HMRC domain, I thought Gateway was a secure way of submitting your form. Looking back it is blatantly clear but at the time my eye was drawn to the 'Submit your on-line tax return' button.... Well, they won't get my repeat business next year!

It is, that's why you have to register with them first, then get a letter sent to you with logging on details and have to log in on subsequent visits.

NickYCFC

Sorry to hear that, Mrs Z. I wonder how many of us there are out there? Any suggestions on how we can ensure others don't make the same mistake would be very welcome.