I had a call from HMRC this morning asking me to chase up a £100 penalty owed by my client for a late tax return, which really surprised me.
- I was asked to provide information to confirm my client’s and my identity, even though HMRC had rung me (I was very cautious, but as I have caller display, was able to verify the number and give some info. – because if I hadn’t…….
- …….. I was supposed to call HMRC’s payment centre – which I wasn’t prepared to do as I didn’t know how long I’d be sat on hold - and at this point, had no idea what the call was about, as there had been nothing through the post on any outstanding matter or issue)
- The call was on a Saturday, and took about 20 mins of my time – for a supposed debt of only £100
- I was asked to chase this debt with my client – on behalf of HMRC – which I declined to do (not my job, and not worth my time)
- There has been nothing through the post about this supposed penalty or it not having been paid – although I had received notification that this client was given a £100 rebate in September 2009
I was told that HMRC has a number of call centres, now, dealing with debt recovery including via agents, but I haven’t picked up on this before. However, it may be that my technique of speed-reading updates & information has meant I missed this.
Is anyone able to shed any light on this for me?
Replies (3)
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I always tell them to sod off the second they ask for the ID, so we never get that far.
HMRC's job, not yours.
The more agents that tell them to sod off the better quite frankly as they will then hopefully stop this charade.
spot on
The last time they tried this security nonsense my reply was short and to the point...agree totally with the last post that if more of us were less tolerant of HMRC they may smarten their act up...struck me years ago that were we minded we could bring the whole system to its knees but because we're all so bloomin nice we indulge them like a naughty child...
Haven't had HMRC chasing for clients debt but the response would be similar...