Fast Track reclaim management fee AFTER case closed?

harold1066

Can someone help to clear this up.

I made a claim for Working From Home Allowance in May 2022.

The same month I receive an email from them:

You signed up for our service to try and reclaim the expenses you paid whilst working at home from the HMRC. Unfortunately, HMRC have rejected your claim and advised us that:

Your client has claimed their allowance back for several years, which means that there is no more tax relief due.

Therefore, we are unable assist you any further and we have closed your case. 

6 Weeks later I did get an HMRC refund.

However, I have now received an invoice from Fast Track for a Claims Management Fee of £260 for this refund after my case was formerly closedclosed.

I spoke with an advisor and was directed to this part of their Ts&Cs:

2.1 No fees will be charged to you in respect of an unsuccessful claim. Where a claim is successful, FTR will charge a contingency fee representing no more than the greater value of either 30% plus VAT or £25.00 plus VAT at the prevailing rate (currently 20%) in respect of any redress/compensation/goodwill/rebate payment recovered on your behalf. The contingency fee of 30% plus VAT or £25.00 plus VAT is calculated before any applicable tax payment/deduction of which you are liable. Under no circumstances will you be required to pay more to us than this amount.

I'm confused about this.

My claim was closed by them

I was informed via email

Can they still charge me a fee over a month later?

phillw

harold1066 said:

Can they still charge me a fee over a month later?

If HMRC refunded you, then surely it was a successful claim?

harold1066

phillw said:

harold1066 said:

Can they still charge me a fee over a month later?

If HMRC refunded you, then surely it was a successful claim?

After my case is closed?

dunstonh

My claim was closed by them

It was closed because they thought HMRC had refused.  HMRC changed their mind.  Them closing the case means they are taking no further action but it doesn't let you off the hook as you have received a refund and therefore owe them their money.

Next time, don't use a claims company for such a simple thing.