Letter from HMRC

theepw9

Hello everyone,

I would be most grateful for the advice of anyone of this forum as I have received a letter that is causing a degree of stress and would appreciate any advice and opinions.

Essentially, out of the blue a few weeks ago, I received a letter from the HMRC entitled: "Income from letting property"

The letter essentially stated that the HMRC had a 'belief' that I am receiving rental income from a second property.  They stated that "our information shows that you are the legal owner of a property in [postcode] area".

This came as a huge shock to me, because I don't own any other property other than the house I am living in (and paying my mortgage for).  I have no idea where the HMRC have obtained this "belief" from.

As a result, I am concerned about identity theft (i.e. is someone else using my name to buy property?) as well as wondering where HMRC have got this wrong "belief" from, that I own property and am earning rental income.  The letter does not provide any more specific details other than a postcode (of an area I have never visited or lived in); no details of what property this supposedly is or where HMRC have got the evidence for this from.  This is essentially an accusation out of no where.  Which has just baffled me - it seems so random.

They are now asking for bank statements from all bank accounts that I hold covering the years of 2017 - 2019.

I really feel that the tone of this letter (£300 fine if I do not submit by a certain date) is that of: guilty until proven innocent.  

I would therefore be most grateful for any advice on the matter and on the following questions:

1) The contact details on the HMRC letter state a phone number of: 0300 322 9421 and an address of: Indv and Small Business Compliance, Campaigns and projects, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1LE.  Does anyone know if this is a legit phone number and address for HMRC?  Just in case this is some form of elaborate scam in order to get my bank details.  I cannot seem to find this exact address or phone number when I search for this online.

2) In terms of my rights - does the HMRC have a duty to inform me of exactly what supposed property this is (i.e. full address) as well as their evidence for this, rather than just a random postcode and threatening me with a fine if I do not submit bank statements?  I feel that I am having to provide lots of personal information without HMRC backing up anything of their behalf or providing any evidence other than the first three digits of a postcode.  

3) Do you think this is likely to be a scam?

4) What would you advise at the next steps going forward - is it too early or too OTT to obtain some legal advice / Citizens Advice on the matter?  I'm just concerned about whether this could be fraud / someone using my name.

Thanks for your time reading this and I would be most grateful for any opinions and advice on the matter.

El_Torro

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Some months ago I received a letter (can't remember if it was from HMRC or my local council) saying that they believe that the property I currently live in is being rented out by me as an HMO. What is especially weird is that I live in a 1 bedroom flat so I don't see how they could think that I have multiple tenants living with me. Anyway I rang them up (after verifying that the phone number was genuine) and they agreed that the letter was sent to me by mistake.

So yeah, calm down, don't seek legal advice. Just find out if the contact details are genuine and if so let them know that you only own the property you live in and take it from there. The likelihood is they'll accept what you say and end the investigation there. For all you know this letter was sent to thousands of people and for some reason you were added to the list.

sammyjammy

Did you not think to google the number?

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/non-uk-residents-payment-helpline

They are investigating a case and they are asking you to co-operate with that investigation, ring them if you feel it will help otherwise supply the info requested, if you've nothing to hide all will be well.

Tiglet2

  
Why don't you look up a legitimate phone number for HMRC and give them a call to clarify whether or not they wrote to you - do not telephone the number listed on the letter.

rincha

A simple call to the genuine HMRC number would sort all this out?  5 min job! 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

theepw9 said:

Hello everyone,

I would be most grateful for the advice of anyone of this forum as I have received a letter that is causing a degree of stress and would appreciate any advice and opinions.

Essentially, out of the blue a few weeks ago, I received a letter from the HMRC entitled: "Income from letting property"

The letter essentially stated that the HMRC had a 'belief' that I am receiving rental income from a second property.  They stated that "our information shows that you are the legal owner of a property in [postcode] area".

This came as a huge shock to me, because I don't own any other property other than the house I am living in (and paying my mortgage for).  I have no idea where the HMRC have obtained this "belief" from.

As a result, I am concerned about identity theft (i.e. is someone else using my name to buy property?) as well as wondering where HMRC have got this wrong "belief" from, that I own property and am earning rental income.  The letter does not provide any more specific details other than a postcode (of an area I have never visited or lived in); no details of what property this supposedly is or where HMRC have got the evidence for this from.  This is essentially an accusation out of no where.  Which has just baffled me - it seems so random.

They are now asking for bank statements from all bank accounts that I hold covering the years of 2017 - 2019.

I really feel that the tone of this letter (£300 fine if I do not submit by a certain date) is that of: guilty until proven innocent.  

I would therefore be most grateful for any advice on the matter and on the following questions:

1) The contact details on the HMRC letter state a phone number of: 0300 322 9421 and an address of: Indv and Small Business Compliance, Campaigns and projects, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1LE.  Does anyone know if this is a legit phone number and address for HMRC?  Just in case this is some form of elaborate scam in order to get my bank details.  I cannot seem to find this exact address or phone number when I search for this online.

2) In terms of my rights - does the HMRC have a duty to inform me of exactly what supposed property this is (i.e. full address) as well as their evidence for this, rather than just a random postcode and threatening me with a fine if I do not submit bank statements?  I feel that I am having to provide lots of personal information without HMRC backing up anything of their behalf or providing any evidence other than the first three digits of a postcode.  

3) Do you think this is likely to be a scam?

4) What would you advise at the next steps going forward - is it too early or too OTT to obtain some legal advice / Citizens Advice on the matter?  I'm just concerned about whether this could be fraud / someone using my name.

Thanks for your time reading this and I would be most grateful for any opinions and advice on the matter.

For someone who seems to be saying, somewhat round the houses, that you have never owned a property in that postcode never mind let one out you seem a bit over sensitive.

Why on earth would you want to take legal advice (or consider giving them your bank statements)?

@sammyjammy hit the nail on head with their post.  

Just reply in a sensible manner explaining the facts.  Personally I wouldn't say "I don't own any other property" as what your situation is today really doesn't matter, it's what the position was in the period HMRC are interest in that counts.

theepw9

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

theepw9 said:

Hello everyone,

I would be most grateful for the advice of anyone of this forum as I have received a letter that is causing a degree of stress and would appreciate any advice and opinions.

Essentially, out of the blue a few weeks ago, I received a letter from the HMRC entitled: "Income from letting property"

The letter essentially stated that the HMRC had a 'belief' that I am receiving rental income from a second property.  They stated that "our information shows that you are the legal owner of a property in [postcode] area".

This came as a huge shock to me, because I don't own any other property other than the house I am living in (and paying my mortgage for).  I have no idea where the HMRC have obtained this "belief" from.

As a result, I am concerned about identity theft (i.e. is someone else using my name to buy property?) as well as wondering where HMRC have got this wrong "belief" from, that I own property and am earning rental income.  The letter does not provide any more specific details other than a postcode (of an area I have never visited or lived in); no details of what property this supposedly is or where HMRC have got the evidence for this from.  This is essentially an accusation out of no where.  Which has just baffled me - it seems so random.

They are now asking for bank statements from all bank accounts that I hold covering the years of 2017 - 2019.

I really feel that the tone of this letter (£300 fine if I do not submit by a certain date) is that of: guilty until proven innocent.  

I would therefore be most grateful for any advice on the matter and on the following questions:

1) The contact details on the HMRC letter state a phone number of: 0300 322 9421 and an address of: Indv and Small Business Compliance, Campaigns and projects, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1LE.  Does anyone know if this is a legit phone number and address for HMRC?  Just in case this is some form of elaborate scam in order to get my bank details.  I cannot seem to find this exact address or phone number when I search for this online.

2) In terms of my rights - does the HMRC have a duty to inform me of exactly what supposed property this is (i.e. full address) as well as their evidence for this, rather than just a random postcode and threatening me with a fine if I do not submit bank statements?  I feel that I am having to provide lots of personal information without HMRC backing up anything of their behalf or providing any evidence other than the first three digits of a postcode.  

3) Do you think this is likely to be a scam?

4) What would you advise at the next steps going forward - is it too early or too OTT to obtain some legal advice / Citizens Advice on the matter?  I'm just concerned about whether this could be fraud / someone using my name.

Thanks for your time reading this and I would be most grateful for any opinions and advice on the matter.

For someone who seems to be saying, somewhat round the houses, that you have never owned a property in that postcode never mind let one out you seem a bit over sensitive.

Why on earth would you want to take legal advice (or consider giving them your bank statements)?

@sammyjammy hit the nail on head with their post.  

Just reply in a sensible manner explaining the facts.  Personally I wouldn't say "I don't own any other property" as what your situation is today really doesn't matter, it's what the position was in the period HMRC are interest in that counts.

Thanks for your reply.

This letter I received (and the one I am referring to in this forum post) was actually a reply from an original HMRC letter which came 4 weeks prior, stating that they had "belief" that I was receiving income from rental property.  
I then replied to their original letter stating that I do NOT receive income from any property.  
Following on from receiving that letter, they have now replied (in a letter that arrived today) stating that they still believe I receive income from another property (even though I have told them I do not) and have just posted 3 digits of a postcode of where I think I own this property.  
So, in summary, I have already informed the HMRC.  It seems that following on from that letter, that "belief" is still there and they are now they are requesting that I send them 3 years worth of bank statements for all bank accounts I own.

theepw9

sammyjammy said:

Did you not think to google the number?

They are investigating a case and they are asking you to co-operate with that investigation, ring them if you feel it will help otherwise supply the info requested, if you've nothing to hide all will be well.

Thanks for your reply Sammyjammy.

I googled both the number: 0300 322 9421
I also googled the address: Indv and Small Business Compliance, Campaigns and projects, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1LE

And no results came up on Google.  Cannot seem to see that address, postcode or phone number quoted on any website.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Seems perfectly understandable in the circumstances 😊

I then replied to their original letter stating that I do receive income from any property.  

RAS

I suspect you've missed a vital word in your second paragraph?

theepw9

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

Seems perfectly understandable in the circumstances 😊

I then replied to their original letter stating that I do receive income from any property.  

Apologies, I meant do not receive income from any property.  I am not sure if I can edit the last post as that was a typo (as I am sure you can tell)