Aggressive HMRC

Aggressive HMRC

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A friend completed his self-assessment tax return and submitted it before the end of September so that HMRC would calculate his tax for him. They did so and he received a tax rebate. He assumed this was related to some part-time work he had done and didn't question it.

He then received his new tax code in April this year and noticed that his personal allowance was incorrect. So he contacted HMRC. They had input his date of birth incorrectly so this was put right and he received a new code.

He then received a demand for the tax rebate he had received to be repaid (with no explanation for why this had arisen). He had to call them to find out why the demand had been issued.

It then goes on that he was frightened, threatened and told he had to pay the amount back immediately. As a pensioner he had already spent the money that he believed to be rightfully his. HMRC did not admit their error at any point. As HMRC told him they were going to issue court proceedings against him immediately and that he should "sell his assets", he paid the money. They refused his offer to pay in instalments.

Can they really do this? He trusted them to calculate his tax correctly. They made the mistake. This behaviour seems quite abhorrent to me and so unnecessary. Is there any way of making a complaint?
Kate Andrews

Replies (7)

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By listerramjet
10th Jul 2007 08:46

all this negativity
about making a complaint to HMRC is very depressing. That something is difficult should not stop you pursuing the proper course of action!

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By listerramjet
09th Jul 2007 16:24

what error?
Your friend should ask HMRC for some explanation. Based on what you report he has no idea of how much tax is due for the year in question. He should also consider making a complaint about the treatment he has received - this site has some helpful notes on this subject http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/tax/help_with_tax_problems.htm#the_adjudicators_office

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Jane
By Jane Evans
09th Jul 2007 16:39

Transcript
My understanding is that the HMRC call centres can now provide a transcript of any conversations held with a taxpayer. Not sure if this works with the debt collection section but it would be worth asking. Ask your friend to ask for a copy and if it is really as he says send it to your MP.

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By AnonymousUser
09th Jul 2007 17:07

Well said

quote no doubt you will be told that they are sorry you feel their normally high standard of service did not meet your expectations.

They always say that. They can't see the irony.

quote HMRC has succeeded in making at least one more "enemy" out of a "customer".

They wouldn't have any customers if people had the choice of dealing with a competitor organisation.

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By User deleted
09th Jul 2007 17:21

.
We all know what it’s like dealing with HMRC these days and yet nothing changes.

As I have said before, one hell of a long way to go Dave Hartnett, one hell of a way to go ....

My god Alastair the adjudicators office would be very busy if we all complianed about HMRC.

The Adjudicator's Office considers complaints of maladministration by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), for example:-

excessive delay
errors
discourtesy

Anyone recognise anything on the list they have ever encountered with HMRC?


Jason
Holden Associates
The Small Business Blog

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By User deleted
09th Jul 2007 20:19

There are ways
first step is to make a complaint about your treatment to ytour local tax office, they must write back telling you who is dealing with your complaint.

This can go to appeal and the parlimentry ombusdmun who deal with unsatisfactory complaint conclusions between taxpayer and HMRC.

see this PDF can be useful

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/factsheets/complaints-factsheet.pdf

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By cockytaxguy
13th Jul 2007 15:55

Be persistent and polite
In my experience dealing with the many gerbils that staff the HMRC, I know that is not very polite but at least it's printable, I have found that if you stick with it and keep pointing out the facts in their shortcomings you normally get what you want,.

This may be an apology, remission of tax or sometimes a sum of money to 'recompense' you for their treatment.

(It probably might buy a decent curry, but will taste better nonetheless!)

In order to not get too peeved with either the proceedings to get to this point or the time involved, remember that HMRC is not a commercial organisation, despite their delusions, and never will be....much like that uncle you had that still lived with his Mum & Dad until they died......

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