Self-Assessment State Pension Error

polymaff

Be aware that the HMRC online Self-assessment form for 2015/16 may mis-report the State Pension. The error is fairly obvious in that the entry for State Pension received during the year is pre-populated by HMRC - but with the weekly rate rather than the total received - i.e. they've forgotten to multiply by the number of payments accrued during the tax year.

Given that HMRC sees the future of self-assessment as one where they collect and pre-populate the form with all of your earnings, pension, savings etc. data - this doesn't bode well for the future.

greenglide

I thought, in previous years, that it gave you the choice between giving either a weekly or an annual amount? I haven't got around to doing 2015 / 2016 self assessments yet so I haven't seen this year's yet.

The amount that HMRC is given by DWP as the amount of the award has always been a weekly rate, nothing has changed there.

If it is wrong I am sure they will fix it reasonable quickly.

greenglide

I have just signed into my mother in law's self assessment account and her state pension amount for 2015 / 2016 shows correctly as the full annual amount.

Either they have fixed it or it is an issue on just your account (HMRC don't realise you had the full year?). You do get the change the prefilled amount anyway.

polymaff

greenglide wrote: »

I have just signed into my mother in law's self assessment account and her state pension amount for 2015 / 2016 shows correctly as the full annual amount.

Either they have fixed it or it is an issue on just your account (HMRC don't realise you had the full year?). You do get the change the prefilled amount anyway.

Thanks for checking. I suspect, then, that it is an issue with a State Pension started during the reporting period.

Yes, you can change the figure - and HMRC invite you to explain why you are changing it. Definitely a test of one's diplomacy. :rotfl:

Incidentally, in my conversations with HMRC this morning I asked them what the correct figure should be. Two conversations, five suggested figures. Also one agent - it is based upon what you have received; the other agent - it is calculated on an accruals basis.

Absolutely hopeless.

EDIT: Just checked - still wrong on both my and the OH's accounts.

brewerdave

:eek:Hope that they have made allowance for those of us who have deferred taking the SP ??