Frustration with HMRC.

whattochoose

I'm trying to contact HMRC this Saturday morning by phone and according to this they're open from 8am.
https://www.gov.uk/find-hmrc-contacts/income-tax-enquiries
However, I'm having no joy and a voice is telling me they're not currently open.
I've received a notification telling me I'm underpaid tax on savings, all to do with the fiscal drag I suppose, which includes that I no longer reap any benefit from the "starting rate for savings" allowance.
The statement they've sent me I find a little incomprehensible and I really feel that I need to speak to a human being about this.
I find it disgusting that all over the country they've closed the tax enquiry offices where you could once go and speak to somebody "over-the-counter" and get help and hopefully resolution about your tax problems.

wmb194

whattochoose said:

I'm trying to contact HMRC this Saturday morning by phone and according to this they're open from 8am.
https://www.gov.uk/find-hmrc-contacts/income-tax-enquiries
However, I'm having no joy and a voice is telling me they're not currently open.
I've received a notification telling me I'm underpaid tax on savings, all to do with the fiscal drag I suppose, which includes that I no longer reap any benefit from the "starting rate for savings" allowance.
The statement they've sent me I find a little incomprehensible and I really feel that I need to speak to a human being about this.
I find it disgusting that all over the country they've closed the tax enquiry offices where you could once go and speak to somebody "over-the-counter" and get help and hopefully resolution about your tax problems.

You shouldn't need to guess; how much interest did you earn in the relevant tax year and in which tax bracket do you fall? Don't forget that interest is part of your taxable income so can push you up a band.

whattochoose

I know all that, thank you.
I've logged in to my online account and I don't agree or understand some of the calculations they've made.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

whattochoose said:

I'm trying to contact HMRC this Saturday morning by phone and according to this they're open from 8am.
https://www.gov.uk/find-hmrc-contacts/income-tax-enquiries
However, I'm having no joy and a voice is telling me they're not currently open.
I've received a notification telling me I'm underpaid tax on savings, all to do with the fiscal drag I suppose, which includes that I no longer reap any benefit from the "starting rate for savings" allowance.
The statement they've sent me I find a little incomprehensible and I really feel that I need to speak to a human being about this.
I find it disgusting that all over the country they've closed the tax enquiry offices where you could once go and speak to somebody "over-the-counter" and get help and hopefully resolution about your tax problems.

What is it that you are confused by the statement you have received?  Not even sure what "statement" HMRC would issue that even references savings interest?

Do you mean a new tax code or P800/PA302 calculation?

The paragraph in bold is maybe one for your MP as they have the powers to provide HMRC with more resources.

whattochoose

The statement made in their email telling me I've underpaid tax, which I'm happy to discuss with them, which also will also give me the opportunity to query some of the figures they're using and possibly omitting, such as the £1000 allowance for savings. 
Then again, I'm only a layperson and everything may be correct and above board, I just want to speak to a flesh and blood human being and not a bot.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

whattochoose said:

The statement made in their email telling me I've underpaid tax, which I'm happy to discuss with them, which also will also give me the opportunity to query some of the figures they're using and possibly omitting, such as the £1000 allowance for savings. 
Then again, I'm only a layperson and everything may be correct and above board, I just want to speak to a flesh and blood human being and not a bot.

There is no £1,000 "allowance" for savings interest.

There is 0% tax band where up to £1,000 of savings interest can be taxed at 0%, confusingly this is called the Personal Savings Allowance.

But lots of people are unable to benefit from that, either as a result of having (relatively) low income or having very high income.

Are you sure you're able to use it?  And if so are you sure it's not included in the calculation?

If it's a tax code then it won't be displayed.

Vitor

- The statement they've sent me I find a little incomprehensible -

ChatGPT or Gemini is very good at explaining texation if you give the details.

RG2015

It may help if you gave us some more information, as long as there is no personal data.

The relevant part of the email and a screenshot of the details from your online tax account for example.

This is about that time of year when HMRC are routinely talking about 3 tax years, last year for finalising tax, this year for tax code adjustments, and next year for new tax code notification.

I often find this rather confusing.

whattochoose

Forty years ago I was coming towards the end of a 11 year career with the Inland Revenue, in fact my last place of work was the PAYE enquiry office, Highland House, Manchester.
For one reason or another, it seems the funds are not there anymore to provide such places. However, on Monday I'll be ringing at 8 to ensure I speak to a real person, when I'm more able to articulate my tax concerns at present.
I am grateful for the feedback, but in this matter I'll probably tie myself up in knots here, so I think it will be best if I engage verbally with a sentient other early next week.
Thanks again.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

whattochoose said:

Forty years ago I was coming towards the end of a 11 year career with the Inland Revenue, in fact my last place of work was the PAYE enquiry office, Highland House, Manchester.
For one reason or another, it seems the funds are not there anymore to provide such places. However, on Monday I'll be ringing at 8 to ensure I speak to a real person, when I'm more able to articulate my tax concerns at present.
I am grateful for the feedback, but in this matter I'll probably tie myself up in knots here, so I think it will be best if I engage verbally with a sentient other early next week.
Thanks again.

Forty years ago you would probably (as the taxpayer) have been able to speak to someone who knew what they were talking about after having some proper training at places like Townbury House on Blackfriars Street.

Let's hope you get lucky on Monday and speak to someone like that, not one of the poorly trained staff plenty of people posting on here seem to get!

SiliconChip

whattochoose said:

I'm trying to contact HMRC this Saturday morning by phone and according to this they're open from 8am.
https://www.gov.uk/find-hmrc-contacts/income-tax-enquiries
However, I'm having no joy and a voice is telling me they're not currently open.

I think you've read that page incorrectly. You can make enquiries on X on Saturday between 8am and 4pm, but the phone service is Monday to Friday only.

Opening times: Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm. Closed bank holidays.