Unexpected request to confirm tax residency - Halifax

agrinnall,

I did see a similar thread but it was a year or two old and clearly indicated a US IRS connection from the outset (probably in the thread title). As I hadn't sensed any link to US/IRS in the letter I received, I decided not to resurrect that thread and started this one instead.

badmemory,

I too did a little searching on the WV address (Tax Compliance Service Centre) and the phone number and like you drew a blank. It will be interesting to see if HMRC can shed light. I still don't think it's a phish but I do think it's an unwelcome and unnecessary intrusion if Halifax haven't got any evidence to link me or my investments with the US (or anywhere else for that matter), even if they are 'just following orders'

I think the law exists and the form is legitimate but I also think it should only be sent to those who are say US immigrants to UK or UK residents who have invested in the US (or other countries within scope of the reciprocal law).

What if someone (hacker or insider) got a name/address list where accounts had let's say more than £25k. Now write to said customers and glean DOB, NI number and signature. Is that enough information to steal identity and get your hands on the funds? Probably not but I don't want to be the one on the news saying: "It all looked genuine so I filled it in and signed it. I've lost my life savings and I feel stupid now". I shall take the form into Halifax. If they say it's OK, I'll sign it in their presence and ask them to post it internally. That should cover all bases.

Looks like that strongly worded letter will be needed if a sloppy bit of Lloyds Banking Group computer programme can't differentiate between Derby UK and Derby Connecticut, Ohio, Texas or Vermont. So maybe every customer in Derby UK with a balance over an undisclosed amount will have received such a letter. Extend that to almost every town and city in the UK as most have a namesake over the pond.