HMRC - anyone got an inside track?

[robin]

I have a tax return to submit but even though I know the UTR and my own postcode I cannot enrol.

I have evidence that once upon a time HMRC also knew that postcode to be correct.

HMRC have managed to change the postcode (how does this happen?) without any intervention from me.

Now the helpline for this type of return is only open mon-fri 9-5 (long story about a day spent on the telephone talking to 5 departments getting to the bottom of this problem omitted).

Even if I do get through on Monday morning it takes 3 days for them to update the system such that I can enrol for self assessment. Even with a following wind it is unlikely that I will then receive the activation code in time to actually submit the form by Jan 31. Guess who then has to pay a fine (tip, it's not them).

So .... either I need somebody to grant me an extension (good luck) or somebody who can tell me what the wrong postcode they have is so that I can use that to enrol instead ... I know it's a long shot, but thought I would ask - there must be some lurking HMRC or HMRC-spouse types on here

Cheers,
Robin

[Stu160]

I think they make it difficult to do these things , just so they can fine you, they are a real pain to deal with......

[campbell]

A major client of mine. I'm making enquiries right now.

[Dominic]

HMRC can be unbelievably inept at times. They should be able to sort your postcode over the phone in a simple call.

The government gateway access codes typically take 7 to 10 days to come out by post.

I would suggest that you have a couple of options; first, go through the process and submit the return late, then appeal the penalty. Or, find a friendly accountant who uses third party software to submit returns and can submit your return right away. PM on it's way.

[robin]

It's my fault of course - I've only had 9 months to do this and ignored until last minute, that being the same time everyone else postpones it to also

Anyway, I'll appeal the fine if I get one, but knowing my luck they'll double it for being cheeky

Cheers,
Robin (sense of humour recovered)

[robin]

A major client of mine. I'm making enquiries right now.

Cheers Campbell!

[tut]

If you need any help in concocting up an excuse Robin, let me know.

tut

[robin]

Working through the day count from when I first tried to enrol to the Jan 31st cut off, even if their information had been correct I suspect I would have missed the deadline, so not sure I have that much to moan about really. The good news is that this will bring to a close a chapter of my tax life, never to be reopened!

Cheers,
Robin

[campbell]

My return is nearly complete. I think they owe me twenty quid.

[campbell]

Robin - you have voicemail.

[robin]

Well, they tried! Got through on the help line on Monday to update postcode, was able to login on Tuesday to enroll for SA and request activation key. Activation key arrived in post today - so in time to activate and submit tax return.

But ... typed in code, it says wrong code - I type it in more carefully the second time - wrong code again - this time I read it back off the screen 5 times comparing it to the letter ... it's correct. So I think, hmm, probably a browser incompatibility issue - fire up IE10 and type it again ... wrong code!?!? Then it says "you've typed the code in wrong too many times, we've unenrolled you - if you still want to use this service please enroll again" - enroll again ... "we'll post you an activation key in 7-10 working days"

Now the good news is I owe no tax as it's all paid at source anyway, so I am hoping that this sorry tale of bad luck and not-quite-working IT systems plus the fact I don't actually owe anything will mean they don't fine me ... we'll see

Cheers,
Robin

P.S. thanks once again to all those that offered help - much appreciated.

[alicrozier]

I'm all online and got mine done in plenty of time but chunky 5k bill all from inaccurate PAYE...
Philosophically, it has been better in my pocket this last year.

[Dark]

Now the good news is I owe no tax as it's all paid at source anyway, so I am hoping that this sorry tale of bad luck and not-quite-working IT systems plus the fact I don't actually owe anything will mean they don't fine me ...

My understanding was that if you've had a letter requesting a tax return then you have to file one by 31 Jan regardless of whether you actually owe anything or not.

[robin]

Yes, that is correct. In this case I received no letter (though a return is due, they had no way of knowing that so didn't ask for one). Even without a letter, if a return is due it must be filed by 31/1 and you face penatlies if it is not filed. If you received your letter later than some cut off date, you do get an extension, but doesn't apply in this case.

Cheers,
Robin