Bank account details request from HMRC

Dazed_and_C0nfused

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996216#Comment_81996216

At least the op will be happy to know the repayment supplement (interest) HMRC will add to any tax refund is exempt from tax and won't be an added complication later down the line 😉

Isthisforreal99

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996236#Comment_81996236

They ask for it so they can match against what is reported by the interest payer. They will already have the account details if you had interest paid in 24/25 but to reconcile 25/26 they need you to break it down per account.

In the fullness of time the interest payer will report the 25/26 including sort code and account number so not giving it now, if you want an early repayment, is frankly dumb.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996236#Comment_81996236

The DRD process can hardly be characterised as 'pilfering', unless you'd also gratuitously attach that label to the likes of PAYE deductions, and is used only in exceptional circumstances as a last resort after jumping through a lengthy collection of administrative hoops, none of which are remotely relevant to your situation:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/issue-briefing-direct-recovery-of-debts--2/issue-briefing-direct-recovery-of-debts#the-safeguards

As above, if you believe that providing identifying details of savings accounts makes you more likely to be pursued in that way then you would seem to have misunderstood, especially when these will be submitted to HMRC by the institutions anyway…

GrubbyGirl_2

It appears that the OP is happy to cut their nose off to spite their face. HMRC will get that information anyway as the banks are obliged to tell them, but any changes won't then happen until close to Christmas. In this day and age it's healthy to be suspicious when people are asking for such details, but as long as you take reasonable steps to ensure you're talking to HMRC I really don't understand the problem

la531983

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996236#Comment_81996236

With just a sort code and account number, and absolutely nothing else (no court action, no enforcement action)? Incorrect, as you have already been told.

Veloflyer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996473#Comment_81996473

The point is they can do it. Others on here seem to believe they cannot. In addition, they can do it if they simply believe you owe them tax. I appreciate there are check-steps and it is a last resort, but one may disagree and thus not respond or engage - particularly so given the difficulties in speaking with them. It seems that HMRCs belief may well entitle them to raid your account regardless of any sound objections and that the individual is guilty as charged. It should at least be a matter for an independent third party to decide if the individual really does owe tax. If the third party decides in favour of HMRC, then fine.

I don't believe I will be pursued and that wasn't the point. I simply have difficulty providing people with information that could possibly be abused. If they have it anyway that is some comfort.

eskbanker

It should at least be a matter for an independent third party to decide if the individual really does owe tax. If the third party decides in favour of HMRC, then fine.

You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Tax) if you want to challenge some decisions by:

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
[…]

The tribunal is independent of the government, HMRC, Border Force, the NCA, the WRA and the Gambling Commission. It will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

https://www.gov.uk/tax-tribunal

debtors can appeal against HMRC’s decision to a county court on specified grounds, including hardship and third-party rights

Veloflyer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996953#Comment_81996953

OK - some redress there perhaps. Not totally as the onus is on the individual and the money may have already left your account.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996964#Comment_81996964

I suspect that this exchange has largely run its course but the DRD process (which, as above, is clearly irrelevant here anyway) is that it only entails debt recovery after the appeals processes have been exhausted…

QQQQQQQQ_Y

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996964#Comment_81996964

I think the key thing to remember here is that if you don't give them your bank sort code they're not entitled to your firstborn, once you let them know your sort code though all bets are off because in surrendering your sort code you submit to their laws and lose your status as a SOVERIEGN CITIZEN.