Another scandalous example of gross incompetence by HMRC
Almost six million people are embroiled in the biggest tax blunder for years.
About 1.4million will have to fork out an average of £1,500 after underpaying through no fault of their own.
Some will face far higher bills, though the Treasury insists no immediate repayment will be required if the sum is more than £2,000.
For 4.3million, the news is better. They will be told they are owed money by the taxman after having too much deducted from their earnings.
The total in overpayments is £1.8billion, meaning an average rebate of £418.
Refunds will be sent by cheque, officials say. However, the National Audit Office
warned earlier this year that households already owed large sums in overpayments might not get their money for four years because of chaos in the system.
Between now and Christmas, the 5.7million affected will receive letters informing them of what they owe or are due.
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