What hope is there? (A HMRC live chat saga)

Simple question

Didn't find your answer?

I used the HMRC live chat with Ruth today.

My question was: I have ceased to be self employed. How do I close my class 2 NI record.

HMRC reply: When did you stop self employment?

My reply: 30 September 2015.

HMRC reply: Did you complete your tax return for that year? When you put an end date on your tax return, it should have automatically closed your self emplyment record.

My reply: (I did complete the return with ceasation date) The record seems to be open as class 2 NI has appeared on my 'additional information' for my 2017/2018 tax retrun.

HMRC reply: If you're not working as self employed though and don't enter that income on your tax return, you won't be charged anything.

My reply: Wow, but the 'record' seems to be open won't that lead to complications?

HMRC reply: No, as you're not charged anything if you don't declare any income.

My reply: Thank you.

Another thrilling contact with HMRC. The Digital Tax Account is going to be the HMRC preferred portal for all personal information (as clearly Ruth is another 'fend off' just like the telephone help line). Unless agents can access the DTA (on behalf of clients) each client will need to have one set up and use it to update HMRC as changes arise. 

 

 

 

Replies (3)

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By Wanderer
16th Aug 2018 16:47

Struggling to find an issue with what you have been told.

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By K81
17th Aug 2018 10:46

I think maybe you are forgetting that tax & national insurance departments don't talk to each other. From the tax point of view you have entered the cessation date on your tax return & that is all they are interested in, therefore the "chat" officer was correct in their response.

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By JSinden
17th Aug 2018 13:17

A form also needs to be completed to inform HMRC NI department that the client has ceased self-employment.
https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/CeaseTrading

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