3 x request a paper tax return & what to do if none arrive

Notepad_Phil

Any suggestions on what to do when three separate requests for a paper tax return all result in nothing arriving?

A friend of mine has to do a self assessment for the first time in their life and unfortunately they cannot use the standard hmrc online software because of the complexity of what needs to be put on the return. So rather than using a third-party provider they decided to ask for a paper return using the hmrc chat functionality.

The first request was towards the end of April, this was actioned very efficiently by the advisor but unfortunately nothing arrived. Therefore a second request was made several weeks later where the hmrc advisor apologised and put a new request in. Unfortunately this also never arrived and so a third request was made. This time time my friend also asked if they could do anything to keep an eye on the paper tax return being sent out, but the advisor just said that all they could do was to put the request through.

The hmrc checking link now says that requests for a paper tax return on the date my friend made it should by now have been received, but yet again nothing has arrived. Note that other post is arriving, it's just these paper tax returns that seem to go missing.

Obviously time is moving on, and my friend is aware that paper returns have to be in by the end of October, so they are unwilling to simply ask a fourth time and hope that it arrives.

I've offered to print out the necessary forms as my friend does not have a printer, but they want to use the official forms as supplied by the hmrc. The only other suggestion I can think of is for my friend to make a online complaint, but it seems that could take a while to get a response as well, so are there any other suggestions that might help.

Bookworm105

if your friend is "unable" to accept printing off the official tax return themselves, then leave them to stew in their 19th century mentality 

readily and easily available in its full (paper) glory direct from HMRC  
SA100_2024.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

other pages
Self Assessment tax return forms - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

[Deleted User]

Bookworm105 said:

if your friend is "unable" to accept printing off the official tax return themselves, then leave them to stew in their 19th century mentality 

readily and easily available in its full (paper) glory direct from HMRC  
SA100_2024.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

other pages
Self Assessment tax return forms - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Unless, of course, the non-residence, ministers of religion or trusts sections require completion in which case one would require specialist software.

Unlikely I know but …..possible!

Notepad_Phil

Bookworm105 said:

if your friend is "unable" to accept printing off the official tax return themselves, then leave them to stew in their 19th century mentality  ...

They'd happily join us in the 21st century if the hmrc supplied online software supported every section that they need to fill in.

[Deleted User] said:

Bookworm105 said:

if your friend is "unable" to accept printing off the official tax return themselves, then leave them to stew in their 19th century mentality 

readily and easily available in its full (paper) glory direct from HMRC  
SA100_2024.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

other pages
Self Assessment tax return forms - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Unless, of course, the non-residence, ministers of religion or trusts sections require completion in which case one would require specialist software.

Unlikely I know but …..possible!

Well anyone who has to do a self assessment and also needs to report the details of a R185 (Estate Income) form can't use the hmrc supplied software, so I'd agree it's not a large number but I'd have thought it's not an unlikely possibility.

Bookworm105

Notepad_Phil said:

Bookworm105 said:

if your friend is "unable" to accept printing off the official tax return themselves, then leave them to stew in their 19th century mentality  ...

They'd happily join us in the 21st century if the hmrc supplied online software supported every section that they need to fill in.

Well anyone who has to do a self assessment and also needs to report the details of a R185 (Estate Income) form can't use the hmrc supplied software, so I'd agree it's not a large number but I'd have thought it's not an unlikely possibility.

your response does not explain why your friend is unable to accept HMRC's own website provides public access so any of us can print off as paper and therefore not have to wait on HMRC to send the same document in the post.

Trusts and estates: statement of income from trust (R185) (trust income) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)