Over zealous HMRC employees

Over zealous HMRC employees

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Yesterday I had the complaints department of HMRC Bootle on the phone. Apparently the previous accountant had done the payroll of a client under the wrong reference number. One ex employee, of this client, had been in touch with them because his earnings and tax etc were showing as a lot more than they should have been. I am a one man practice and have accounts and tax returns to complete before the end of this month. This HMRC employee demanded that I correct this error, using EYU, straight away meaning yesterday or today. When I said I wouldn't be able to do the correction until next month he threatened to contact their compliance department because I am not the agent for this client. I do this payroll as a favour for another accountant who is a friend. The HMRC employee seems to think, from this conversation, that I or my friend are avoiding taxation because I am not on his payroll even though I explained to him that I am a self employed freelance accountant. Would any one on this site obey the HMRC, and do it straight away, or would they take my stance?

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By Andywho is fed up
19th Nov 2014 10:18

Overzealous HMRC

So, compliance is going to talk you, who have not been appointed as the agent, about a client you do not formally represent!  I don't think so.

Do it in your own time, when you are ready so that everything is put right and you are under  no pressure to rush the job.

 

Thanks (2)
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By girlofwight
19th Nov 2014 11:42

Archetype
Years ago, soon after I started by myselff, and when HMRC was still local districts, I spoke to a local Inspector who commented he didn't recognise my practice name. Although we were talking about a client, he couldn't resist the dig, "Can I just check, you have registered as self employed with us". As if I'ld be daft enough not to, and admit it!

But, yes, you've got a jobsworth - ignore them and do it in your own reasonable time.

It does irk me that HMRCS expect everything in super fast time, but don't work to the same standards,

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By refs8
19th Nov 2014 12:33

Agreed - stick to your guns !

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RLI
By lionofludesch
19th Nov 2014 12:43

Buying Time

Ask for confirmation by letter.

That'll give you a couple of months.

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