Tax return/SEISS/ accountant mess up🤷‍♀️

nuttyarab

When we first could apply for the SEISS I got told I wasn't eligible, I asked this to be reviewed because I  knew I met all the criteria. 

HMRC contacted me last week and said the UTR number (that I got from my accountant) was wrong.  I also wasn't entitled because I hadn't submitted my 18-19 tax return. 
I knew something was wrong as I have been paying my accountant and this should have been done. I have been with this accountant for the last 2 and half years (self employed for nearly 15 years). 
On further digging turns out HMRC didn't get 2017-18 either 🤷‍♀️ 
I contacted my account who sent me the details of my tax return but once again I noticed the UTR was different to my government gateway one. 
I asked HMRC to review after speaking to my account. Today they wrote to me saying 'I am not eligible for the grant as my 18-19 tax return was not submitted by 23/04/20. I can confirm that we received an amended 18-19 from you on 22/05/20 (same day I spoke to my accountant an informed him something was wrong with UTR number) 
They also said they still haven't got 17-18 tax return. 

As you can imagine I really annoyed as my accountant isn't the cheapest. I haven't contacted him yet as I'm to angry but also can't understand why HMRC have never contacted me or fined me for late tax return. None of it is adding up. 
All this over a messed up UTR number

poppy12345

I think it's time to get a new accountant.

sharpe106

Think a lot of people are finding now is the time to get a new accountant. 

Jeremy535897

nuttyarab said:

When we first could apply for the SEISS I got told I wasn't eligible, I asked this to be reviewed because I  knew I met all the criteria. 

HMRC contacted me last week and said the UTR number (that I got from my accountant) was wrong.  I also wasn't entitled because I hadn't submitted my 18-19 tax return. 
I knew something was wrong as I have been paying my accountant and this should have been done. I have been with this accountant for the last 2 and half years (self employed for nearly 15 years). 
On further digging turns out HMRC didn't get 2017-18 either 🤷‍♀️ 
I contacted my account who sent me the details of my tax return but once again I noticed the UTR was different to my government gateway one. 
I asked HMRC to review after speaking to my account. Today they wrote to me saying 'I am not eligible for the grant as my 18-19 tax return was not submitted by 23/04/20. I can confirm that we received an amended 18-19 from you on 22/05/20 (same day I spoke to my accountant an informed him something was wrong with UTR number) 
They also said they still haven't got 17-18 tax return. 

As you can imagine I really annoyed as my accountant isn't the cheapest. I haven't contacted him yet as I'm to angry but also can't understand why HMRC have never contacted me or fined me for late tax return. None of it is adding up. 
All this over a messed up UTR number

Have you logged on to your business tax account? I assume you have a Government Gateway account?
Your accountant should get your approval to your tax return before submitting it. Have you not been asked to approve these tax returns? I am surprised you haven't been receiving various penalty notices.

nuttyarab

My accountant has now forwarded me on a copy of HMRC filling log which does show that the tax returns we done in plenty of time. I'm guessing it has something to do with the wrong UTR number but all the other details are correct.  Really don't know where to go from here

whizzywoo

Did you not check your UTR number when the tax returns were sent to you for approval?

Also you should check DOB, correct spelling of names, addresses and NI numbers. 

They are legal documents which you are digitally signing.   Mistakes shouldn't happen but they do and that's why they are sent to you for approval. 

nuttyarab

I can't remember, but even if I did I wouldn't have known my UTR number anyway

whizzywoo

nuttyarab said:

I can't remember, but even if I did I wouldn't have known my UTR number anyway

It's really something you should keep a note of. As important as your NI number. 

Jeremy535897

The most important point now that you have confirmed that your returns were sent in in good time (what was the amended return on 22 May - changing the UTR?), your accountant needs to appeal against the decision not to pay the grant.

nuttyarab

Jeremy535897 said:

The most important point now that you have confirmed that your returns were sent in in good time (what was the amended return on 22 May - changing the UTR?), your accountant needs to appeal against the decision not to pay the grant.

Yes, he corrected the wrong UTR. 

Jeremy535897

He needs to get HMRC to pay the grant now. HMRC don't take account of amendments to returns after 26 March 2020, but I would strongly argue you filed in good time, and the UTR error was just an administrative glitch.