Bank account details request from HMRC

Veloflyer

Folks

I have received a letter from HMRC requesting interest details for 25/26 - amount, bank, sort code and account no - from my bank accounts following previous correspondence with them for the higher rate pension rebate.

I have no issue providing them with the amounts, but am I obliged to give them bank details? It surely does not matter to them for calculation purposes and for security reasons, I am extremely loathe to give anyone - let alone HMRC - bank details - especially via return post.

Troytempest

AS long as it's genuine HMRC then I would not worry.

Sort code and account numbers are not particularly secret - they are printed on cheque books (still in use by minority!)

eskbanker

They'll receive that information directly from the banks concerned eventually anyway, so if you prefer, you can wait until your full 2025/26 picture is known to them later in the year, and they'll sort out any rebate at that stage?

Veloflyer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995803#Comment_81995803

Fair point! I have also heard of horror stories of HMRC pilfering folks' accounts when they are clearly in the wrong. I wouldn't want to encourage them.

la531983

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995814#Comment_81995814

How would you expect HMRC to "pilfer" your bank account with just a sort code and an account number? Barring they taking out a court order, the worst they could do is set up a Direct Debit, which you would spot instantly the moment they took (or attempted to take) anything, and be able to recall instantly under the Direct Debit Guarantee if they hadn't told you they were taking anything.

eskbanker

I have also heard of horror stories of HMRC pilfering folks' accounts when they are clearly in the wrong.

That doesn't sound credible and seems like the sort of stuff spread by excitable types on social media and the Daily Mail letters page!

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995814#Comment_81995814

If you have actual evidence of HMRC taking money from people's accounts without the owner's permission then that is theft and you should report it to the police as such.

Or maybe it's just not true?

Veloflyer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995827#Comment_81995827

It is true that I have read articles concerning it. Whether the article is true or not I wouldn't know. As I don't know then why take the risk?

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6667984/bank-account-details-request-from-hmrc

They want to check that the details you give are the same as the bank supply to them. and have not missed out an account by mistake.

People used cheques with at information on it for many years without someone raiding their bank account.

DRS1

It is interesting that they want a sort code. I certainly have plenty of savings accounts where I could tell you an account number but would have no clue about the sort code.

And then some building societies set up their accounts so that you pay into an account which is theirs so the sort code and account number just get you say Skipton Building Society (or more likely Barclays Bank). Then you use your account number as the reference for the payment so it lands in your account. The sort code with the account number you use as a reference wouldn't tie up.

Veloflyer

Thanks all - I am reasonably convinced there is little risk of fraud, but not entirely convinced HMRC will behave. I'd still rather not volunteer such information - to anyone - on the basis of why take the risk if I don't need to.