At wits end..... c.30K HMRC debt - no idea what to do...

cbsexec

hope you managed to get some help. Please stress to HMRC the effect your family troubles had on your mental health. They definitely can and do reduce charges

Secret_Squirrel1970

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861007#Comment_81861007

I didn't manage to call the specialist debt team yesterday - was working during the times the line was open...

Speak to them today though is the plan …

Secret_Squirrel1970

Spoke to them today. Eventually, god that phone system is like one of the levels of hell 😂

However, they were very helpful.. very understanding.

The amount is currently still the amount but they explained there is an appeal system for the late fees/charges and that should help. The advisor I spoke to cant comment as such but they thought - given what I was coping with at home at thee time - there are mitigating, special circumstances enough to make a difference.

The actual Appeal is a whole separate department but they would send the details out with my statements and all the details.

Other people have also mentioned the possibility of suing the Accountants, but am not sure if I want to pull the trigger on that.. 🤔

mybestattempt

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81862176#Comment_81862176

Definitely pursue the appeals route without hesitation.

Even if HMRC refuse to accept late appeals you can then ask to the tax tribunal to admit late appeals and they have more discretion and must take all relevant circumstances into account.

To support your appeals, I suggest you write down a timeline of events over the years and find or obtain as much documentary evidence as you possibly can to confirm all your difficulties at each point.

Secret_Squirrel1970

Well, it was an ongoing issue up until 2020/2021.

I have a certain amount of it all documented, but didn't think I would need it so may not have as much as before.

I do have lots of medical letters, photos of self harm... Photos of seizures, video evidence of some of the above etc.

Then ofcourse I have the actual suicide in 2020 and the resulting police investigation and arguing with the NHS back n forth prior to the actual inquest towrds the end of 2021.

I imagine there will be enough supporting evidence.

Edit: And obviously I have the inquest bundle itself and that is about 80-90 pages that encompasses a lot of years leading up to the event.

ManyWays

Have you talked to Tax Aid?

Secret_Squirrel1970

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81863477#Comment_81863477

That is next on my list….

paying my current return today. then speaking to specialist debt team early Feb to see if its best allocated to current returns or just go into the pit 🤣

Then look at my ins and outs and what could in theory afford as repayment amount.

Sort my appeals for all the charges/penalties considering the home circumstances at the time.

But yes, once have my budget worked out anyway am filling in the TaxAid web contact form.

antonic

Ex HMRC Debt Management Collecror here who has dealt with these problems before.

For HMRC to agree to a repayment arrangement you need to be filing and paying your returrns as they become due ()which it appears that you are doing).

File your appeal against the interest and penalties with as much evidence as you can (which it appears you will be doing).

As your case has been referred to the Extra Support Team this means that they can be more flexible over any repayment arrangement that has been agreed - they will ask you to provide evidence of your income and expenditure/assets to show that you can adhere to any agreement.

You need to factor in that your appeal against the interest and penalties may not be succesful.

mybestattempt

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81880180#Comment_81880180

I would expect anyone who is ex HMRC to know there is no statutory right of appeal against interest charges.

If late payment penalties are removed on appeal and/or tax payments reallocated then interest charges would be automatically adjusted.