tax office

[Connemmara]

Well, well well went down to tax office to get help in filling a form - my god never never in my life did I meet such complacent couldn't care less people. Instead of answering my questions they were saying such and such an amount of money was showing on the computer - did I know what it was - of course I suggested this and that and they said Oh we can't do anything just sign here and we will post it off. I brought the form home because I know I received it for a reason - such wanted to rant. Wasted my time in going into town which I pretty well hate.

[gingejbee]

I know people who work in HMRC offices and they are equally complimentary about the clueless customers who come in, expecting them to know all about their tax affairs and for the staff to do everything for them.

[friedgreentomato]

The problem is the people in the office that you saw are not experts in tax as they have to deal with several different lines of business.

[Connemmara]

Gingebee I never saw a tax form before never mind filling one in so I did want a clue as to what they needed so I wasn't being clueless. I did think that was what the tax office was there for to help you and guide you at least.

[albaqwerty]

I found mine to be very helpful and pointed me in the right direction. I suppose it depends on what the questions are though.

[factor-fiction]

I hope you feel better now.
I've no idea though what the problem is. What info are you being asked to provide that you feel they were unable to help with.

[albaqwerty]

Conne, ask general non-specific questions on here for assistance. There are a lot of knowledgeable peeps on here, some of whom work or have worked in tax offices or deal with filling in tax forms/returns.

[Connemmara]

I received a sum of money when I retired called Widows and Dependants and literally no-one has heard of it - I paid into it for 37years so because tax office don't know W&D they can't advise yet they are looking to tax the money. I have asked Civil Service to send me a copy of what I did receive 2 years ago and I think 40% interest has to be paid on it. Don't know where anybody gets 40%.

[bednobs]

40% is the higher tax band

[albaqwerty]

Bednobs is right, did you tell HMRC that you had come into a sum of money?

Found this, don't know if it's of any help (probably as clear as mud)
http://sharingpensions.co.uk/otherpen.htm

[Nibble]

You mean this pension???

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/helpsheets/hs310.pdf

[bednobs]

in fact - the 40% is explained a bit in your q here: http://www.theanswerb...9.html#answer-5605006
if this money has taken you over the higher tax bracket threshold, it will be taxed at 40%. What is your yearly income?

[gingejbee]

From some of my Civil Servant friends, I understand that as a civil servant, there are compulsory deductions from your pay to make provision for your spouse/civil partner should you die before retiring. If on retirement you are unmarried (or you don't have a civil partner), the money you paid in for that provision is refunded to you. It sounds to me that what you have had paid back to you are those deductions. When you went in to the HMRC office, did you explain how you came to receive the money? When you receive a copy of the letter from the Civil Service, you might want to go back to the HMRC office and try again?

[Connemmara]

Gee Bednobs you have a great memory - I don't have any recollection of my query last year just looked at it there - mind you I am still flumped as why I should have to pay 40%. Higher tax band?? How is that worked out. I only get Civil Service pension and state pension - dont get me wrong I am very happy with my lot.

[factor-fiction]

The answer lies in your own post from that earlier thread, i think. You said in that thread, quoting from an HMRC letter:

"your contributions are refunded with interest, and the payment of a single, non-returnable premium covering the cost to the pension scheme of providing post-retirement survivor's pension, in the event of your marrying (I am not married) or entering into a civil partnership and dying before your spouse of civil partner. The premium is 30% of the value of the contingent post-retirement survivor's pension.

Under the tax legislation introduced by the Government with effect from 6 April 2006, lump sums such as this, which are not paid as part of a pension, are generally considered 'unauthorised' and would be liable to a tax charge. Because this is "unauthorised' payment under the new tax legislation you will be liable to pay tax at 40% of the amount paid to you. We will pay you your refund without tax deducted but it is then your responsibility to tell Revenue that you have received an unauthorised payment from the scheme. Please note we will tell Revenue that we have made this payment to you and they will follow this up with you in due course.

[bednobs]

for some reason, i just seemed to remember your earlier q.. Although it IS strange because i have no recollection of ever knowing that pension contributions weren't taxed, but i seemed to have answered you that way!

[factor-fiction]

Sorry, the letter I quoted from may have been from the pension provider not HMRC
I assume pension contributions were made net of tax relief and if contributions are returned early there is a tax charge to cancel this out- otherwise you'd get back more than you'd contributed- or you get it gross and have to notify HMRC.

I think you were supposed to notify HMRC that you had received the money gross

[Dee Sa]

they are always very helpful when I phone their helpline once a year.