How do I deal with this tax demand which was not my fault?

[ballymenaboy]

I recently received 3 very large demands from the tax office for underpaid tax due to an oversight on their part. It amounted to several thousands of pounds payable within 6 weeks. I have written to the tax office several times but each time they have not answered my letters and on visiting my local tax office who contacted Cardiff he says that my letters were never received. I would really like to get to the bottom of this very costly problem as the fault lies with someone in the tax office and I am now suffering as a result of this. What can I do, who can I write to or otherwise contact for help as I only get no response from the people responsible.

[kags]

Why was it the fault of the tax office?

[ballymenaboy]

Because I filled in all the appropriate forms about my pension when I took part time work. I disclosed everything and yet these disclosures were either overlooked or not processed properly. I also asked for tax forms to be sent to me on at least two if not three occasions and was told that if I needed them the tax office would issue them. This they did not do and so I hold them responsible for my very large tax demand.

[kags]

Try this leaflet
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/leaflets/cop1.htm
for more information about how to complain.
In my experience, copying your letters to your MP will get HMRC's attention.
If you do owe the money, I doubt there is much chance of having the charge remitted, but they may agree an extended payment schedule if they have not dealt with your case promptly or properly.

[ballymenaboy]

Thank you for your suggestions which I hope will be helpful.I have in fact paid the money as I accepted that it was owed but it was the way in which the issue was dealt with that frustrated and angered me and has made me determined to take the matter further. If this had happened to someone without savings then that person would have been in debt through no fault of their own and I understand that 7 1/2 percent interest is charged even when arrangements are made for money to be paid in installments. Thank you again for your time in answering my question.

[kags]

They will normally charge interest, but if they have been negligent in their handling of the case you would have a case for arguing that interest should not be charged. Good luck!

[postmanthe]

As to the "didn't get your letter" part this a common tactic on the part of big companies so send it "Recorded Delivery" cost about �1 00, then use Track and Trace on the Royal Mail website you can even see who signed for your letter.

[ballymenaboy]

Thanks, I normally do this with important documents but didn't realise how helpful it would have been in these circumstances. I shall certainly do so in future and urge others to take note.