Getting reponse from HMRC

Johnny1964

Apologies if this is not the correct forum. Does anyone have advice on how to get a response from HMRC, it invariably takes many months to get answers to the simplest queries despite numerous complaints. I previously ended up complaining to my MP, but now live overseas so no longer have one. Is there any other individual/body I can contact to expedite matters?

redped

I think the replies here are a bit harsh - most businesses wouldn't last long if they took months to reply to a query, so I can understand the OP's frustration. I've also waited months for a response at times, but they weren't critical queries so I was okay to let HMRC run at it's usual iceberg pace.

Isthisforreal99

redped said:

I think the replies here are a bit harsh - most businesses wouldn't last long if they took months to reply to a query, so I can understand the OP's frustration. I've also waited months for a response at times, but they weren't critical queries so I was okay to let HMRC run at it's usual iceberg pace.

It's not a business though is it. An understaffed public service. If you want 'business response times' then pay for the advice.

redped

Isthisforreal99 said:

redped said:

I think the replies here are a bit harsh - most businesses wouldn't last long if they took months to reply to a query, so I can understand the OP's frustration. I've also waited months for a response at times, but they weren't critical queries so I was okay to let HMRC run at it's usual iceberg pace.

It's not a business though is it. An understaffed public service. If you want 'business response times' then pay for the advice.

I was under the impression that our taxes were already paying HMRC for their advice, plus there's no option of paying more to get a quicker response from them.  I'm not looking to start a political debate on public sector vs private sector, I'm just understanding of the OP's frustration as to how long it can take to get a response from HMRC.

Isthisforreal99

redped said:

Isthisforreal99 said:

redped said:

I think the replies here are a bit harsh - most businesses wouldn't last long if they took months to reply to a query, so I can understand the OP's frustration. I've also waited months for a response at times, but they weren't critical queries so I was okay to let HMRC run at it's usual iceberg pace.

It's not a business though is it. An understaffed public service. If you want 'business response times' then pay for the advice.

I was under the impression that our taxes were already paying HMRC for their advice, plus there's no option of paying more to get a quicker response from them.  I'm not looking to start a political debate on public sector vs private sector, I'm just understanding of the OP's frustration as to how long it can take to get a response from HMRC.

HMRC are not there to give 'advice' per se, it's ouwith their remit. The answer's OP is seeking could be obtained by paying for advice especially when we are in double taxation agreement territory - it's not HMRC's job to advise if the pension would be taxable in Japan for example.

redped

Isthisforreal99 said:

redped said:

Isthisforreal99 said:

redped said:

I think the replies here are a bit harsh - most businesses wouldn't last long if they took months to reply to a query, so I can understand the OP's frustration. I've also waited months for a response at times, but they weren't critical queries so I was okay to let HMRC run at it's usual iceberg pace.

It's not a business though is it. An understaffed public service. If you want 'business response times' then pay for the advice.

I was under the impression that our taxes were already paying HMRC for their advice, plus there's no option of paying more to get a quicker response from them.  I'm not looking to start a political debate on public sector vs private sector, I'm just understanding of the OP's frustration as to how long it can take to get a response from HMRC.

HMRC are not there to give 'advice' per se, it's ouwith their remit. The answer's OP is seeking could be obtained by paying for advice especially when we are in double taxation agreement territory - it's not HMRC's job to advise if the pension would be taxable in Japan for example.

You're assuming that the query is related to another post from the OP - it may or may not be, but we don't know yet.  I'm talking in general terms about HMRC response times; even if the OP's query is outside of HMRC's remit, then it's still taking many months for the OP to be told this by HMRC.

Isthisforreal99

redped said:

Isthisforreal99 said:

redped said:

Isthisforreal99 said:

redped said:

I think the replies here are a bit harsh - most businesses wouldn't last long if they took months to reply to a query, so I can understand the OP's frustration. I've also waited months for a response at times, but they weren't critical queries so I was okay to let HMRC run at it's usual iceberg pace.

It's not a business though is it. An understaffed public service. If you want 'business response times' then pay for the advice.

I was under the impression that our taxes were already paying HMRC for their advice, plus there's no option of paying more to get a quicker response from them.  I'm not looking to start a political debate on public sector vs private sector, I'm just understanding of the OP's frustration as to how long it can take to get a response from HMRC.

HMRC are not there to give 'advice' per se, it's ouwith their remit. The answer's OP is seeking could be obtained by paying for advice especially when we are in double taxation agreement territory - it's not HMRC's job to advise if the pension would be taxable in Japan for example.

You're assuming that the query is related to another post from the OP - it may or may not be, but we don't know yet.  I'm talking in general terms about HMRC response times; even if the OP's query is outside of HMRC's remit, then it's still taking many months for the OP to be told this by HMRC.

Just the norm for public services these days unfortunately. 'Paying tax' doesn't get you the service you think you deserve.

sheramber

Johnny1964 said:

Apologies if this is not the correct forum. Does anyone have advice on how to get a response from HMRC, it invariably takes many months to get answers to the simplest queries despite numerous complaints. I previously ended up complaining to my MP, but now live overseas so no longer have one. Is there any other individual/body I can contact to expedite matters?

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-expect-a-reply-from-hmrc

ljayljay

Isthisforreal99 said:

If it's related to the other thread you posted -  https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6625214/pension-position-for-overseas-tax-resident#latest (don't know why it couldn't have been kept in one post) then it will be initially taxed in the UK as normal and depending on the terms of the UK/Japan double taxation agreement it may be taxable in Japan and you may be able to claim back the UK tax.

4 months is possibly below average for a response and submitting 'numerous complaints' is only clogging up the system.

Yes, I wrote to HMRC in March 25 & noticed soon after that it was recorded as awaiting action when checking online. I have just received a response, so that is 5 months. Not great, but like you say it will be down to reduced resources. I can remember a time when I could go into my local tax office & get a response the same day but they have now all shut down. As a society we do not want to pay the public sector for good service so we get what we deserve.

redped said:

Isthisforreal99 said:

redped said:

I think the replies here are a bit harsh - most businesses wouldn't last long if they took months to reply to a query, so I can understand the OP's frustration. I've also waited months for a response at times, but they weren't critical queries so I was okay to let HMRC run at it's usual iceberg pace.

It's not a business though is it. An understaffed public service. If you want 'business response times' then pay for the advice.

I was under the impression that our taxes were already paying HMRC for their advice, plus there's no option of paying more to get a quicker response from them.  I'm not looking to start a political debate on public sector vs private sector, I'm just understanding of the OP's frustration as to how long it can take to get a response from HMRC.

Regarding not wanting to start a political debate comment I suggest that is exactly what you were doing with your earlier response.

TeleAddicts

Just scanning the forum looking for alternate ways to deal with HMRC when I stumbled across this post.
There has got to be a simpler way for dealing with HMRC than the telephone or postal letters?
I understand security concerns but the phone waits are excessive and postal replies have taken months to respond. 
Don't get me wrong speaking with the analysts over the phone they have been fantastic but I cannot help but feel that just to let them know I have earnt a few quid on share dividends and want to sort out the tax or correct my savings account interest to fix my tax code should be so much less stressful.
I do not complete self assessments nor do I have any employment.
I live on a private pension.

poseidon1

TeleAddicts said:

Just scanning the forum looking for alternate ways to deal with HMRC when I stumbled across this post.
There has got to be a simpler way for dealing with HMRC than the telephone or postal letters?
I understand security concerns but the phone waits are excessive and postal replies have taken months to respond. 
Don't get me wrong speaking with the analysts over the phone they have been fantastic but I cannot help but feel that just to let them know I have earnt a few quid on share dividends and want to sort out the tax or correct my savings account interest to fix my tax code should be so much less stressful.
I do not complete self assessments nor do I have any employment.
I live on a private pension.

 A specific benefit of self assessment is the rapid turnaround from HMRC if there are issues.

Via the self assessment return, I I tell HMRC what I owe, calculate the tax myself and pay on that basis.

If they have any issues with my numbers  ( or amendments i might make subsequently ) they are pretty quick off the mark to say so. Over the past 10 years they have readily accepted returns and any amendments thereto within the 4 year window  for tax refunds/reductions without, fuss or drama.  

A lot to be said for self assessment if you want timely handling of your tax affairs as well as a measure of control over when you pay your taxes..