HMRC late penalty mistake

Sarahmarsh

Hi, i'm wondering if anyone can give me and my husband some advice or if you have been in this situation. My husband is self employed and I always file his online tax return, we have never had a problem until today when he received a letter from HMRC stating they have not received his tax return for 2011/2012 and he owes them £1600 late penalty fees to be paid by 21st August. My husband is at work so immediately I went online to check the tax return and it was submitted in January 2013 on time however it says on the first page of the account that it is not yet received by them but when you click through to the next page it says submitted and received giving the date and time and receipt number. After contacting HMRC myself they have said he will need to appeal the penalty which seems a bit daft if it is their mistake, my husband will be contacting them later on today when he gets home from work. Has anyone else been in this position I am a worrier and can't settle until things are resolved, my husband says not to worry as we have proof but I cant help it!! Thanks x

Dr_Teeth

Make a note of the submission receipt number (ideally take a printout of the screen), and send it in to them with a covering letter saying you wish to appeal the penalty because the return was submitted on time.

You shouldn't need to do any more than that to get it fixed.

Sarahmarsh

Thank you, now I've calmed down a bit after the initial shock I think it will be ok i'm going to send the appeal letter straight away, don't want this hanging over us any longer than necessary

sheramber

Things sometimes disappear into a black hole.

If you send them the submission details they will be able to retrieve it and process it.

Delphina

It is very likely that the penalty will not stand due to your evidence. Clearly say that you wish to appeal again the penalty for.... and why. Please attach evidence and keep proof of postage.
Good luck.