You might also be interested in
Replies (1)
Please login or register to join the discussion.
Not only for incorrect returns....
Doing HMRC’s work for them...again...
New client came to me a few months ago. He had cancer and knew he did not have long to live. He wanted to get his tax affairs up to date so that his wife would not be bothered after he died.
It turned out that he had a £3000+ tax bill but he had ceased work over a year ago living on his savings/disability benefit and thus had no money to pay the bill. Tax return was done and liability agreed. I charged nominal amount and was paid.
Client dies, I wrote letter to HMRC advising them.
Waited over two months before receiving a letter back from HMRC Newcastle stating that in the circumstances they would cancel debt - letter was dated 17th August.
Today received a demand adding the 6 months penalty.
I go onto HMRC’s website to find I am still down as agent.
Phoned HMRC who took great delight in telling me that they would not speak to me as I was not down as the deceased’s client. Had to get the executor (wife) to submit 64-8 etc etc etc.
Point is... why do I have to spent my time getting authority when I wont be paid just so I can speak to HMRC on the phone to tell them that they should update their records.
After ringing twice and not being able to get anyone to speak to me I asked their advice and they said to write in to... yes, you quessed it... the same place from where I had received the letter that had confirmed that the debt was to be written off over a month ago... HMRC PO Box 1000 Newcastle and no... I could not speak to the writer of the 17 Aug letter.
So I will have to write a letter attaching a copy of the one they sent to me confirming that they would be writing off the debt otherwise they may visit his house to collect an unpaid bill which is not due...of course I cannot charge for my time. Just because of their inefficiency.