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HMRC Penalty Warning

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I posted my Tax Return on 7/10/15 by recorded delivery. It was signed on delivery on 10/10/15. In late December I received a £100.00 late penalty from HMRC. I posted proof of posting and delivery but hearing nothing from the Revenue I rang the Self Assessment unit yesterday.
I was told that due to a change in logging returns onto the system there was a period when no returns were logged on receipt. Instead the date of delivery was taken as the date when the return was processed- thus resulting in a late penalty as work is some 6/8 weeks in arrears.
Knowing the problem I find it bordering on fraudulent for HMRC to issue penalties in such circumstances.
Lesson, always use RD post and check any penalties.

Comments

  • Perhaps a Mod can move this to the correct forum?
  • Do it online....get till the 31st January and your not relying on any postal service
  • Rain_Shadow
    Rain_Shadow Posts: 1,798 Forumite
    missingmum wrote: »
    Do it online....get till the 31st January and your not relying on any postal service



    This. It is so much simpler.
    You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose but you can't pick your friend's nose.
  • zippychick
    zippychick Posts: 9,339 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].
    A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men :cool:
    Norn Iron club member #380

  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 47,324 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Put in an appeal / complaint. I'm sure there will be details on the HMRC website.
    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • Darksparkle
    Darksparkle Posts: 5,465 Forumite
    I would have thought the penalty letters will automatically issued rather than someone deciding to fraudulently to get money from you.

    Appeal the penalty with a copy of proof that you submitted on time.

    And as suggested by others for future, submit online if you can.
  • chrismac1
    chrismac1 Posts: 2,585 Forumite
    In my view it is both:

    1. The penalty letters are spat out automatically by the system.

    2. HMRC top management are what in any other sector would be called fraudsters. They deliberately under-resource areas like their post room, answering mail in 12 weeks or more. They do this full in the knowledge that their systems will automtically churn out penalties. Many will appeal them and I urge the OP to do so. But many will just cough up, which is easy - but fraudulent - money for HMRC.

    When I first started dealing with the Revenue as it was then - 1990 - you could at least rely on an element of fairness and integrity. No longer. Over time that ethos has been totally destroyed by cynical management, incompetence and cost-cutting.
    Hideous Muddles from Right Charlies
  • shylockinadress
    shylockinadress Posts: 15 Forumite
    edited 20 January 2016 at 5:34PM
    I normally do file online. This year a nil return was raised by HMRC and therefore my online account was closed. When HMRC changed their mind and decided I did after all need to submit a return I was unable to access the 'phone number given in order to re-open my account . Hence filing in the old way. Have worked in Revenue so well aware of procedures and how the service has deteriorated in recent years.
    My point here- somewhat misunderstood by some- is that HMRC are aware returns have not been correctly logged yet are sending out penalties. Thank you Chrismac1 for reading and understanding! Missingmum, you're and your- grammar alert.
    Apologies to Board Monitors for upsetting topics, in a hurry to post and no time to waste.
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