HMRC 6 month backlog on refunds? Anyone else?

Sarahspangles

soulsaver said:

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

soulsaver said:

I don't follow. What is the correct process? I couldn't see any clear alternative to the method she chose to claim the rebate as a 40%er?

Why does the system calculate an overpayment,  offer a claim the refund process and then not process it?

Self Assessment is for people who meet the criteria to complete a tax return.

I don't think claiming higher rate relief on RAS pension contributions has ever been a reason to file a return.

Did you read this page on gov.uk?

https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-your-private-pension/pension-tax-relief

A letter with evidence of the contributions would have been sufficient.

The refund will be processed.  Or HMRC will open an enquiry into the return.  You are just having to wait a bit longer as HMRC seem to have implemented a system to try and prevent people being over-repaid.

However given the delay already experienced I would say you (your wife) are justified to chase this up.

She can't recall how she got got there, other than as an alternate to the unacceptably long wait on the phone.

Either she didn't find her way to that page (thanks) or misunderstood something that suggested using SA was an acceptable way to claim the additional relief.

Maybe she can be forgiven for thinking HMRC accepting the return, producing an overpayment calculation,  producing a repayment claim form and issuing a claim reference, suggested to her that using the SA route seemed acceptable, if not correct.

Thanks for your help, we'll get back on the case.

There are still references on the HMRC section of .gov.uk to needing to complete an SA return for this purpose (or there were - I know that I reported one as out of date). So it’s understandable people are confused.

DBdoobydoo

I can confirm that there is a big HMRC backlog. I submitted my Self Assessment as I do every year. I live & am tax resident in France but work part time in the UK being paid under PAYE. I submitted my SA return on 28th April 2024 & am due a £4K repayment as HMRC messed up my PAYE code during 2023-24 tax year.

I have now been waiting almost nine months for my refund. I ring HMRC every month or so & from what I can gather they haven't even looked at my SA return yet. Previous tax year I got my £2K repayment within 2-3 weeks of submitting my return.

I'm pulling my hair out & really annoyed as it's only because HMRC screwed up my PAYE code by including my UK pensions as taxable income when they are taxable in France & have been taxed in France for the last four years.

sheramber

soulsaver said:

@Dazed_and_C0nfused
You appear to have the insider knowledge on these things, and your replies are well appreciated.

In your opinion what would be the best way to progress this? Is it just start early and be prepared for a long wait on the phone? Or any better suggestions?

The best time to phone is as soon as lines open so you are T the front of the queue.

Start dialling just before time.

soulsaver

sheramber said:

soulsaver said:

@Dazed_and_C0nfused
You appear to have the insider knowledge on these things, and your replies are well appreciated.

In your opinion what would be the best way to progress this? Is it just start early and be prepared for a long wait on the phone? Or any better suggestions?

The best time to phone is as soon as lines open so you are T the front of the queue.

Start dialling just before time.

Y that would have be my plan but wondered if the was a better way. I found & tried their messaging service already this morning (afaics wasn't there before) which took me through selection process which ended with it asking if I wanted to talk to an adviser.

Yes ... at last!

'There isn't any advisers available to deal with your query...' 
FGS.

Think I'll park it until next month.  

oconnoap

I am owed money from both PAYE and self-assessment. 

I received a letter on the 15th Nov 2024 saying i would receive a cheque within 10 days based on the Relevant Motoring Expenditure (RME) review. I rang them on the 17th January and the cheque has still not been processed. I had to go three different departments. 

I submitted my self assessment on the 29th Nov and am due a rebate. After chasing before christmas and raising a complaint, they have decided to open a notice of enquiry which they only did on the 22nd Jan apparently just before a 6 week cut off. The letter does not explain what is it they are concerned with but to ring 0300 322 9629. I rang today at 4pm  27th Jan and the answer machine told me my call would not be answered. This behaviour is just as bad as the worst in the private sector deliberately holding onto others money. The finances must be stretched but treating individuals like this is not on.