HMRC SAR Request

williamsthr

Hi

Not sure if this is in the right section but has anyone had any SAR request issues with HMRC? Mine has exceeded the legal timescales of one month and every time I contact them I get no further. They have not provided an extension notification (justified or otherwise).

I have actually been advised their internal policy for SAR timescales is 40 days and only from the date the correct department receives it (which in my case was nearly a week after they did receive it according to Royal Mail). I have this 40 day advice in writing. This is surprising to me as it doesn't align with the legal timescales.

I'm looking at other avenues to pursue this now but was curious if anyone else had similar issues?

Thanks

DoaM

What have the ICO said when you asked them?

williamsthr

They weren't initially very helpful as they say phonecalls of me chasing them doesn't count as evidence for making a complaint. Now I have more in writing, I'll be addressing it further with them. Their own website advises on the lawful timescales which HMRC aren't aligning to.

BoGoF

Did you send it to the SAR address on their website?

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hmrc-subject-access-request

We’ll act upon the request without undue delay and at the latest within one month of receipt. We may extend the time to respond by a further 2 months if the request is complex or we have received a number of requests from the same person.

theonlywayisup

williamsthr wrote: »

They weren't initially very helpful as they say phonecalls of me chasing them doesn't count as evidence for making a complaint. Now I have more in writing, I'll be addressing it further with them. Their own website advises on the lawful timescales which HMRC aren't aligning to.

The ICO have a huge workload but I have used them successfully for a SAR that went over the time period allowed. They contacted the company and reprimanded them and ensured the SAR was actioned within 7 days of the contact from ICO to the company.

You do have to provided your evidence to them, so make sure you do it and you don't leave it too long.