How far back can HMRC chase me for underpaid PAYE tax?

Paul_Allonby1976

I've found out that I owe 3.5k for 18/19 and another £500 prior to that. When I log on to my .GOV it says I owe no tax. I have been issued 16 tax codes in 2 years (only changed jobs twice in this period). I have most of the history but can't work it out. Tried calling them an going through it all (2hrs 45mins on the phone -really bad line and couldn't understand accent). After they admitted some of it should have been adjusted through my tax code but wasn't, I asked for further info. They said it was too old for them to see but I could apply for it on .GOV -which I have done, but it says it may take 28 days to get it, which has put me beyond the 28 days they gave me to pay. Trying to call them to explain that they are holding themselves up!!! but can't get through. Do I have to pay back tax this old, especially if they can't provide the reasons for it evidentially?
Any help would be gratefully received!

DE_612183

I think it depends on how the tax bill has arisen.

What it HMRC's fault?

Did you make an accidental mistake in your tax return?

Did you attempt to avoid or evade paying tax ( there is a difference! )

DullGreyGuy

They can go back 6 years

chrisbur

• From
• https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/can-i-write-off-debt/statute-barred-debt.aspx#:~:text=Income tax, VAT and capital,if they are very old
  
• 
  
• Income tax, VAT and capital gains tax debts to HM Revenue & Customs
• These do not have a limitation period
• HMRC can take you to court for these debts at any time
• Even if they are very old

Paul_Allonby1976

It was a simple assessment so I didn't have any input, so have not avoided or evaded at all. I think one of my previous employers messed up my P60, gave me one version, then I left, then after the deadline they submitted a revised P60 which I have never seen- this is what HMRC have told me but have yet to supply the  evidence to support it.

DE_612183

when you say simple assessment - you mean "Self Assessment" - if so who did the assessment and worked out the figures - you or an accountant?

Paul_Allonby1976

It was a simple assessment not a self assessment. 

eskbanker

DE_612183 said:

when you say simple assessment - you mean "Self Assessment" - if so who did the assessment and worked out the figures - you or an accountant?

No, they do mean simple assessment!

https://www.gov.uk/check-simple-assessment

Hoenir

Paul_Allonby1976 said:

It was a simple assessment so I didn't have any input, so have not avoided or evaded at all. I think one of my previous employers messed up my P60, gave me one version, then I left, then after the deadline they submitted a revised P60 which I have never seen- this is what HMRC have told me but have yet to supply the  evidence to support it.

Unusual for payroll software to provide erroneous reports. Any idea how this could of happened? 

mybestattempt

OP, the important thing here is to appeal the simple assessment for 2018/19.

Have you had a decision letter since you informed HMRC the simple assessment is wrong and have you appealed?

penners324

HMRC can go back as far as they want if they believe there's been a deliberate error. 20+ years has been mentioned in some articles