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HMRC refusing to accept tax return (becoming non-resident)

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In mid-APRIL I sent in my 2017-18 tax return.
Now, more than FIVE MONTHS later
(and only 3 weeks before the deadline),
they have returned it to me - saying they "cannot accept it".


I moved to France and became tax resident from 1/1/18, and meet all the conditions for being non-resident from that date
(no house in UK, not been back at all, etc)

My income is from
a) UK property - so will continue to be taxed in UK, and
b) a pension, which will be taxed in France

HMRC say I need to provide evidence of having paid tax in France.
This is obviously impossible until I submit my tax return after the end of the French tax year on 31/12/18.

I was prepared for the fact that HMRC would prob continue to tax me until I provided proof of paying the French tax, so I would have to pay twice in the first year and then claim back.
But what can I do if they refuse to accept my tax return??!!!
As, the next thing is they will be trying to fine me for not submitting it!

Please can anyone advise what to do?
I don't have long, as I need to send the paper return to UK by end of the month.

Comments

  • xylophone
    xylophone Posts: 45,608 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Have you telephoned HMRC asking for advice as to how to proceed?

    https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/income-tax-enquiries-for-individuals-pensioners-and-employees

    Ringing a little before 8am might enable you to avoid a long wait.
  • slopemaster
    slopemaster Posts: 1,581 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'll try that in the morning, but have generally found the call centre staff ill-informed
  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    The obvious answer would be to submit your UK return online then it wouldn't need to be done until 31/01/2019 which is after you can submit your French tax return. I presume at the moment you are doing a paper UK return.
  • agrinnall wrote: »
    The obvious answer would be to submit your UK return online then it wouldn't need to be done until 31/01/2019 which is after you can submit your French tax return. I presume at the moment you are doing a paper UK return.

    I am open to correction but I am fairly sure that the non-residence pages are not available on the online version of the tax return (unless special software is obtained).
  • Caz3121
    Caz3121 Posts: 15,832 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 22 January 2024 at 3:51PM
    I am open to correction but I am fairly sure that the non-residence pages are not available on the online version of the tax return (unless special software is obtained).


    Ah, that may be it then. Having never been non-resident but paying tax in the UK I haven't had to look for those pages.
  • slopemaster
    slopemaster Posts: 1,581 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yep, you have to do paper return or use special software.

    I didn't do P85 as I think that's for ppl who were previously on PAYE not self-assessment. But I did write and let them know I was leaving.

    Actually, ringing a little before 8am worked v well and I got straight through to someone, who (instead of making stuff up to cover their lack of knowledge) put me through to a "technician" who knew what she was talking about and pointed me at a form to get the French tax office to fill in.

    Still annoyed that it took nearly 6 months to tell me though, and now I have to rush off to my French tax office an hour's drive away and hope they will see me...
This discussion has been closed.
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