HMRC Overtaxes Pensioners By £200M

In an era where precision is expected and demanded, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has committed an error that is nothing short of indefensible. Last year, pensioners were overtaxed by more than £3,000 each due to miscalculations by HMRC as a result of "quirks" that have lain unfixed in HMRC's systems for years. These errors have resulted in overpayments amounting to a staggering £200 million. This is not just a simple mistake; it is a gross negligence of duty and a betrayal of the trust that the public places in such institutions.

The Unforgivable Mistake

HMRC, the very body entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring correct tax calculations, has faltered in its duty. The miscalculations have led to pensioners, some of the most vulnerable members of our society, being overtaxed by more than £3,000 each. This is not a trivial amount, especially for those living on a fixed income. It is money that could have been used for healthcare, food, and other necessities.

The Impact on Pensioners

The impact of this error extends beyond just financial loss. It has likely caused undue stress and anxiety among pensioners who are left to grapple with the implications of these overpayments. Many may have been forced to dip into their savings or make other financial sacrifices to make ends meet.

The Need for Accountability

It is imperative that HMRC is held accountable for this monumental blunder. An error of this magnitude is not just an oversight; it is a systemic failure that needs to be addressed at the highest levels. There must be a thorough investigation into how such a mistake occurred and measures must be put in place to ensure it does not happen again.

Conclusion

The overtaxing of pensioners due to HMRC's errors is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accuracy in all financial matters. It is a wake-up call for HMRC to tighten its procedures and checks to ensure such a costly mistake is not repeated. The pensioners who have been affected deserve not just a refund, but an apology and the assurance that steps are being taken to rectify the situation. Anything less would be another indefensible error.

Tax does have to be taxing.

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HMRC's Stubborn Stance on Phone Line Closures

In an era where the importance of open communication channels is more evident than ever, it is disheartening to see the HMRC's unwavering commitment to a strategy that seems to prioritise cost-cutting over customer service. The recent statement from the HMRC boss, confirming that closing phone lines is still part of their strategy, is a stark reminder of this unfortunate reality.

Ignoring the Backlash

Despite the significant backlash over previous plans to cut helplines, the tax office has refused to rule out future helpline cuts. This decision not only disregards the public outcry but also undermines the essential role that these helplines play in providing timely and accurate tax information to the public.

The Human Element

While digitalisation has its merits, it cannot replace the human element that telephone helplines provide. They offer a direct, personal, and immediate form of communication that many taxpayers rely on, particularly those who are not as tech-savvy or those dealing with complex tax issues.

Quotes from the Treasury Select Committee Meeting

During the Treasury Select Committee session, Jim Harra addressed the issue of taxpayers needing extra support, stating that HMRC identifies customers who need extra support by their individual needs or personal circumstances rather than the reasons for HMRC contact.

"I am not saying we won’t return to this, because it is part of our strategy and we do think it was effective last year.

I’m very disappointed that we have not been able to take what I regard as a modernising step at this point.

Our monitoring tells us that for both our helpline staff, our web chat advisors and also staff on our post teams, they are as effective at home as they are in the office.

So I’m confident, whilst I want to make sure that colleagues comply with working from home policy I’m confident an answer to our problem is not to change the balance of working from home and working in the office.

We know that colleagues answering phone calls at home all have the same productivity as colleagues answering in the office. Whilst we are continuing to implement our office working attending strategy that is not going to make a material difference in the short term to performance of our helplines.”

A Call for Change

It is high time that HMRC reevaluates its strategy. The focus should be on improving and expanding customer service channels, not reducing them. The HMRC must remember that it serves the public, and its strategies should reflect the needs and preferences of the public, not just its budgetary constraints.

In conclusion, HMRC's insistence on closing phone lines, despite the clear public opposition, is a troubling indication of its disregard for customer service. One can only hope that HMRC will listen to the voices of the taxpayers and reconsider its stance on this critical issue. After all, a tax system that does not prioritise the needs of its taxpayers is a system that fails in one of its fundamental duties.


Tax does have to be taxing.

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MPs To Quiz HMRC Chief Over Rayner’s Affairs

 

The Treasury Committee’s decision to question the HMRC chief about Rayner’s tax affairs is a significant development. The focus of the inquiry is the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rules, which are at the heart of the row over Rayner’s property dealings.

Well, as fascinating as this might be, it will achieve SWFA; as Rayner (like everyone else) is entitled to confidentiality wrt her tax affairs (unless she is on trial or has been formally charged). HMRC will brush this aside and say they don't comment on individual's tax affairs.

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HMRC's £12M Erroneous Overpayments: A Decade of Mismanagement

 

In an astonishing revelation, it has been reported that His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has mistakenly overpaid its own staff by millions of pounds³. This shocking mismanagement of public funds raises serious questions about the financial controls within the organisation.

A Decade of Overpayments

Over the past decade, HMRC employees have pocketed a staggering £12.6 million in erroneous overpayments. In the last year alone, some 250 employees were mistakenly overpaid by more than £1,000. These figures, obtained by The Telegraph, show a total of £12.3 million has been paid back by staff, leaving a £300,000 shortfall.

The Impact on Public Trust

The news of these overpayments is likely to erode public trust in the HMRC. Jonathan Eida, a researcher at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, rightly pointed out that taxpayers will be fuming that tax officials have been filling their pockets with more than they’re entitled to, even if it’s by accident. The fact that a significant portion of the overpaid cash hasn’t been clawed back is even more concerning.

HMRC's Response

In response to these revelations, an HMRC spokesman stated that they operate at a monthly payroll average accuracy rate of 99.54%, which exceeds the corporate benchmark of 98%. However, this still means that 0.05% of the total paybill in the 2022-23 financial year was incorrectly paid. This equates to over £1.2 million, of which only 84% has been recovered.

Conclusion

These revelations highlight the need for improved financial controls within HMRC. It is unacceptable for public funds to be mismanaged in this way. HMRC must take immediate action to rectify these errors and ensure that every last penny of the overpaid money is reclaimed. Only then can public trust in the organization be restored.

The HMRC's erroneous overpayments are a stark reminder of the importance of financial accountability in public institutions. It is crucial that such institutions maintain the highest standards of financial management to ensure the responsible use of taxpayer money.


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HMRC Spunks £4.5M of Taxpayers' Money Up The Wall on Woke Non Jobs

In an era where every penny of public expenditure should be accounted for, the recent revelation of HMRC's spending on 'woke non-jobs' is nothing short of a scandal.

A Misguided Spending Spree

HMRC, the body responsible for collecting taxes and ensuring financial fairness, has ironically been caught in a wasteful spending spree. A whopping £4.5 million has been squandered on roles that have been labelled as 'woke non-jobs'. These are roles add little to no value to the organisation or to the public it serves.

Here are the non jobs that our taxes are paying for:

• Culture Impacting and Equalities Support
• Senior Consultant for Equality Diversity
• Values & Culture Advocate Lead
• Wellbeing Project Co-ordinator
• Culture Impacting and Equalities Support

The Cost of Irresponsibility

This £4.5 million is not just a number. It represents a colossal waste of public funds, funds that could have been better spent on improving public services, reducing the tax burden, or even paying down the national debt. Instead, this money has been frittered away on jobs that seem more focused on virtue signalling than delivering tangible benefits to the public.

A Call for Accountability

This situation calls for a serious examination of HMRC's spending priorities. It's high time that HMRC, like all public sector organisations, is held accountable for its spending decisions. The public deserves to know why such a significant amount of money is being spent on 'woke non-jobs' and what benefits, if any, these roles are bringing.

In conclusion, HMRC's £4.5 million spending on 'woke non-jobs' is a glaring example of financial irresponsibility. It's a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency, accountability, and financial prudence in all areas of public expenditure. 

The public deserves better, and it's high time that HMRC delivered!

Tax does have to be taxing.

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Sacked For Not Being Sorry Enough

In a recent turn of events, Gordon Askew, a member of the branch executive committee at HMRC's Benton Park View branch in Newcastle, was dismissed. The grounds for this dismissal were cited as 'potential' computer misuse.

Background

The dismissal followed a series of targeted strike actions taken by the branch, including three national days of strike action. In the aftermath of these strikes, HMRC launched an investigation into two Newcastle-based representatives.

The Charge

The charge against Askew was a 'potential' breach of the department's IT policy. This was allegedly due to a Microsoft Teams message sent to a number of PCS members, relating to the strike action. The department’s decision maker claimed that Microsoft Teams had been used “without a legitimate business reason”.

The Decision

Despite Askew's nearly thirty years of spotless service to the department, the decision maker opted for dismissal. It was stated that a lesser penalty was considered, but the decision to sack Askew was made because he didn’t appear to be sorry enough for what he had done.

A History of Dismissals

This is not the first time that a PCS representative has been dismissed by HMRC management in Newcastle. In 2017, the branch organiser was sacked for emailing the branch membership list from his work email account to his personal account². Despite PCS arguing that a PCS rep emailing PCS material from work to home was not a matter for the department, the dismissal proceeded. However, PCS was successful in securing the rep’s reinstatement.

Next Steps

PCS is currently discussing the next steps with their Legal Department. A meeting for all members of the branch will be held on 10 April to discuss the response to the sacking.

Conclusion

This incident raises questions about the treatment of union representatives and the interpretation of IT policies within HMRC. It underscores the importance of clear communication and fair treatment in the workplace. As the situation unfolds, PCS members and observers alike will be keenly watching the developments.


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HMRC Proudly Admits That a Human Wrote This!

 

 

HMRC has confirmed that it does not use AI to write letters sent to taxpayers, and is proud to confirm that the above was written by a member of its human staff!

Tax does have to be taxing.

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HMRC Announces 60% Office Attendance

 

 

HMRC has recently confirmed a significant change in office attendance for its employees. Starting from 2nd April 2024, all grades within the organisation will be required to attend the office at least 60% of their working time. This move comes as part of the government's efforts to transition back to a more traditional office-based work environment.

You would have thought that they should already be in the office on a daily basis!

The 'Office Attendance Tool'

To facilitate this transition, HMRC is introducing the Office Attendance Tool. Here are some key points about how it works:

1. Automatic Data Gathering: The tool automatically collects data from various sources to determine where an employee is working. If an employee docks their computer at an office desk, it registers as a day of office attendance. Connecting via Government Wi-Fi does not create a report, but swiping into an office with a swipe card system also counts as attending the office.

2. Manager Access: Managers do not have access to specific timings for swiping in or docking computers. The system simply registers office days without providing detailed information on arrival or departure times.

Outstanding Concerns

Despite the implementation date being set for 2nd April, there are several outstanding concerns raised by employees and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS):

1. Office Capacity: Employees are worried about office capacity and whether there will be enough space to accommodate the increased attendance.

2. Travel Costs: Some employees may face additional travel costs due to increased office attendance.

3. Training: Concerns exist regarding the level of training provided to staff and managers on how the tool functions.

4. Functionality: The functionality of the Attendance Tool itself has been questioned, especially after access issues were reported during the initial rollout.

As I said, it rather beggars belief that staff are not already in the office 60% of the time!
Tax does have to be taxing.

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HMRC's Helpline Debacle U Turn - Useless Wankers!

 

HMRC has recently been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. In a move that can only be described as a spectacular display of poor judgement, HMRC announced plans to make permanent cuts to its helplines, only to retract the proposal less than 24 hours later. This incident not only exposes a worrying lack of foresight within the organization but also raises serious concerns about its commitment to serving taxpayers.

A Reckless Proposal

The initial decision to cut helplines was nothing short of reckless. It demonstrated a complete disregard for the needs of taxpayers, particularly those who are less tech-savvy or grappling with complex tax issues. The backlash was immediate and intense, and rightly so. Yet, the speed at which HMRC backtracked on its decision suggests that they were woefully unprepared for the consequences of their actions.

A Damning U-Turn

The swift U-turn, while necessary, is a damning indictment of HMRC's decision-making process. It paints a picture of an organisation that is out of touch with the needs of its constituents and incapable of strategic planning. This incident has done significant damage to HMRC's credibility and has left many taxpayers questioning whether they can trust the organisation to make sound decisions in the future.

A Missed Opportunity

Instead of using this incident as an opportunity to reassess its approach and improve its services, HMRC has chosen to simply revert to the status quo. This is a missed opportunity. HMRC should be investing in its helplines, improving the quality of support provided, and ensuring that all taxpayers have access to the help they need.

Conclusion

HMRC's helpline cuts debacle is a stark reminder of the importance of effective decision-making within public organisations. It's clear that HMRC needs to do better. It needs to demonstrate that it understands the needs of taxpayers and is committed to providing them with the support they require. Anything less is simply unacceptable.

HMRC is being run by useless wankers!

Tax does have to be taxing.

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HMRC Doesn't Give a Flying Fuck - Closes Helplines

 

HMRC has announced permanent cuts to its helpline services. While the department claims these changes are part of modernisation efforts, they raise significant concerns for taxpayers and professionals alike.

1. Self Assessment Phoneline Closure
The decision to permanently close the self assessment phoneline between April and September is a perplexing one. During these crucial months, taxpayers often seek assistance with complex queries related to their self assessment. By directing them solely to online services, HMRC risks leaving many in the lurch. Not everyone is comfortable navigating digital platforms, and the closure of the phoneline may exacerbate confusion and frustration.

2. VAT and PAYE Helpline Cuts
The permanent closure of the VAT helpline is particularly troubling. Businesses rely on this service for timely advice on VAT registration, compliance, and other critical matters. The abruptness of the closure—only five days' notice—shows a lack of consideration for taxpayers and agents. Furthermore, limiting the helpline to just five days a month adds unnecessary pressure during peak filing periods.

Similarly, the PAYE helpline's refusal to handle refund-related calls is baffling. Refunds are a fundamental aspect of tax administration, and taxpayers should be able to seek clarification without hurdles. Redirecting them to online resources may not always suffice, especially when specific scenarios require personalized assistance.

3. Lack of Transparency
HMRC's decision-making process lacks transparency. The inconclusive evaluation of the trial closure of the self assessment helpline during the summer months raises questions. Why make permanent changes without a thorough assessment of their impact? 

Taxpayers deserve clarity on how these decisions were reached and what evidence supports them.

 4. Impact on Accessibility
While HMRC emphasises self-service through online channels, it must recognise that not everyone has equal access. Some taxpayers lack reliable internet connectivity or struggle with digital literacy. The closure of helplines disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with limited technological resources.

5. Professional Concerns
Tax professionals, including the ICAEW Senior Technical Manager Caroline Miskin and CIOT President Gary Ashford, have expressed reservations. The VAT helpline closure may lead to high demand, long waiting times, and potential errors. HMRC's ability to provide adequate support is now in question.

Caroline Miskin:

“While HMRC has evaluated the trial to close the self assessment helpline during the summer months, it doesn’t plan to formally review it any further, even though the impact of this move on the accuracy of returns won’t be clear for some time.

Since restricting the self assessment helpline, HMRC has been quick to promote the fact that a record number of taxpayers met the self assessment deadline. However, more people also missed the deadline and some online services require significant improvement.”

CIOT president Gary Ashford: 

“We are deeply dismayed that, so soon after the criticisms levelled at them by the Public Accounts Committee, and in the light of an inconclusive evaluation, HMRC have decided to make these big, permanent cuts to the help they provide to taxpayers. If last year’s announcement of the summer closure of the Self-Assessment helpline was a ‘flashing indicator’ that HMRC can’t cope, today’s announcements are a blinding light.

HMRC’s own evaluation of both the closure of the helpline in summer 2023, and the helpline restrictions during the 2024 self-assessment peak, concluded that it is too early to say if there has been a long-term shift from phone contact to online self-service. Yet HMRC have decided to go ahead anyway."

Conclusion
HMRC's helpline cuts risk alienating taxpayers and undermining the department's core mission—to serve the public effectively. While modernisation is essential, it should not come at the expense of accessibility and quality service. Taxpayers deserve better, and HMRC must reevaluate its approach to helpline services.


Tax does have to be taxing.

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HMRC 's Missing Million - A Deep Dive into The Crisis

 

In recent news, it has been reported that nearly a million calls to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) were left unanswered in January. This alarming figure, worhty of some form of Rotten Tomato Award, has raised serious concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of the tax authority's customer service.

The Current Situation

HMRC, responsible for the collection of taxes and the implementation of other regulatory regimes in the UK, has been under fire for its poor customer service. In January alone, 841,945 calls were not handled, leaving taxpayers struggling to get the help they needed. This issue was particularly problematic as January is the deadline for self-assessment tax returns.

The average wait time to speak to a tax adviser exceeded 25 minutes for the first time ever, with some waiting much longer. This has led to a significant number of taxpayers hanging up before their call is answered.

The Impact on Taxpayers

The implications of this situation are far-reaching. Taxpayers are battling to speak with advisers, and the record-high wait times are causing significant stress and inconvenience.

Moreover, the inability to get through to HMRC could potentially lead to mistakes on tax returns, which could result in fines or investigations. This is particularly concerning for individuals and small businesses who may not have ready access to tax advisers.

Looking Forward

HMRC has acknowledged the issue and has taken steps to improve its service. However, these efforts need to be ramped up to ensure that taxpayers can access the help they need in a timely manner.

It is crucial for HMRC to invest in its customer service capabilities, not only to improve wait times but also to ensure that the advisers at the other end are competent and can provide accurate information.

It is essential for the tax authority to address this issue promptly and effectively to maintain public trust and ensure the smooth functioning of the tax system.


Tax does have to be taxing.

Tax Investigation Insurance

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A Solar Protect policy will enable your accountant (your tax return agent) to:

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Will HMRC Look Into Rayner's Tax Affairs?

 

Genuine question, what do you think will HMRC look into her tax affairs?

Tax when you sell your home

Skip to contents of guide

Contents

1. Private Residence Relief
2. Work out your gain
3. Living away from your home
4. Nominating a home
5. If you let out your home

Private Residence Relief

You do not pay Capital Gains Tax when you sell (or ‘dispose of’) your home if all of the following apply:

• you have one home and you’ve lived in it as your main home for all the time you’ve owned it
• you have not let part of it out - this does not include having a lodger
• you have not used a part of your home exclusively for business purposes (using a room as a temporary or occasional office does not count as exclusive business use)
• the grounds, including all buildings, are less than 5,000 square metres (just over an acre) in total
• you did not buy it just to make a gain

If all these apply you will automatically get a tax relief called Private Residence Relief and will have no tax to pay. If any of them apply, you may have some tax to pay.

Find out if you’re eligible for Private Residence Relief.

Married couples and civil partners can only count one property as their main home at any one time.

The rules are different if you sell property that’s not your home or if you live abroad.

Next : Work out your gain

Tax does have to be taxing.

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Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees up to £100,000 if you are subject to enquiry by or dispute with HMRC.

A Solar Protect policy will enable your accountant (your tax return agent) to:

• Deal with any correspondence from HMRC
• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly

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HMRC Customer Service Hits All-Time Low

In a disheartening revelation, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has sounded the alarm bells over the dismal state of customer service at His Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The tax authority's service levels have persistently declined over the past five years, leaving taxpayers frustrated and exasperated.
 

A Five-Year Downward Spiral

The PAC's latest report, published today, paints a grim picture. Despite record-high tax revenues reaching £814.0 billion in 2022-23, HMRC's performance has fallen short. Here are the key findings:

1. Service Levels Plummet: Customer service levels at HMRC have hit an all-time low. Callers faced agonizing wait times, with 62.7% waiting more than 10 minutes to speak to an adviser in 2022-23, up from 46.3% the previous year.

2. Resource Crunch: HMRC claims it lacks the resources to meet rising demand for phone and post services. Instead, it directs callers to digital channels, insisting they are of good quality. However, taxpayers and their agents have vehemently disagreed, citing frustrating experiences.

3. Tax Complexity: With the taxpayer population growing and tax affairs becoming increasingly complex, HMRC appears to be struggling to cope. The twin challenges of managing more taxpayers and intricate tax matters have stretched the organization thin.

4. Compliance Gap: HMRC fell £2 billion short of its £36 billion target for compliance yield (additional revenue saved due to HMRC's intervention) in 2022-23. This shortfall is concerning, especially given the record tax revenues.

5. Criminal Prosecutions Decline: The number of criminal prosecutions by HMRC has significantly dropped—from 691 in 2019-20 to a mere 240 in 2022-23. While HMRC claims selectivity in using its criminal investigation powers, the PAC worries that fewer prosecutions send the wrong message.

6. IR35 Rules Under Scrutiny: The PAC also examined HMRC's approach to the IR35 rules on off-payroll working. Concerns were raised that this approach might discourage legitimate economic activity and deter companies from using contractors.

Chair's Comment

Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Committee, expressed her disappointment: 

"Almost eight years have passed since our Committee challenged HMRC over its telephone lines' holding message being one of the most streamed pieces of music in the country. Our latest report into its performance sadly illustrates a continued tale of decline in its services."

As taxpayers continue to grapple with HMRC's service woes, urgent action is needed to restore confidence and efficiency. The PAC's recommendations aim to bridge the gap and ensure that taxpayers receive the service they deserve. 

Read the full report here .

Tax does have to be taxing.

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A Solar Protect policy will enable your accountant (your tax return agent) to:

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• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly

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Allegations of Assault, Bullying and Misogyny at HMRC on Glassdoor

Source Glassdoor

I have tried to access the full posting but Glassdoor want me to start reviewing the company I work for. Please come someone send or post a screenshot of the full post?

Thanks

Tax does have to be taxing.

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Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees up to £100,000 if you are subject to enquiry by or dispute with HMRC.

A Solar Protect policy will enable your accountant (your tax return agent) to:

• Deal with any correspondence from HMRC
• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly

Please click here for details.

HMRC Is Shite (www.hmrcisshite.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Glassdoor Allegation

 

Regarding this comment:

"Breaking News: A current HMRC Fraud Investigator has left a review on Glassdoor alleging bullying, misogyny and assaults on female staff. "

Please can someone send me the link to the allegation on Glassdoor, I can't find it.

Thanks.

Tax does have to be taxing.

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Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees up to £100,000 if you are subject to enquiry by or dispute with HMRC.

A Solar Protect policy will enable your accountant (your tax return agent) to:

• Deal with any correspondence from HMRC
• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly

Please click here for details.

HMRC Is Shite (www.hmrcisshite.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Ministers Give Taxpayers The Finger!

 

Remember Making Tax Digital (MTD)? 

That grand plan to shove everyone online and make tax filing a breeze? 

Well, it seems the "breeze" turned into a full-blown hurricane, leaving taxpayers bewildered and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) fuming. They called the decisions "utterly extraordinary," a sentiment shared by many a frustrated citizen.

But guess what? 

Ministers, bless their bureaucratic hearts, have decided to ignore the pleas of the people and the PAC's wise words. They've rejected calls to prioritize customer needs in future digitalization efforts, effectively saying, "Sod your struggles, we're sticking to our guns!"

Now, don't get me wrong, digitalisation can be a good thing. But when it's implemented with the grace of a drunken bull in a china shop, it becomes a recipe for disaster. MTD, with its mandatory online filing and clunky interface, has left many taxpayers feeling like they're navigating a labyrinth blindfolded.

The PAC, in their infinite wisdom, suggested a more customer-centric approach. Transparency on costs and benefits? Sounds sensible, right? Nope, ministers say it's "non-negotiable." Figures on how tax revenue will be affected? Apparently, that's top secret information.

So, what does this mean for you, the average taxpayer? Well, it means brace yourself for more digital confusion, potentially higher costs, and a distinct lack of support from the powers that be.

Tax does have to be taxing.

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You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

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A Solar Protect policy will enable your accountant (your tax return agent) to:

• Deal with any correspondence from HMRC
• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly

Please click here for details.

HMRC Is Shite (www.hmrcisshite.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

HMRC Hemorrhaging Millions on Press Pen Pals

 

A tale of wrong priorities.

On one hand, we've got His Majesty's Revenue & Customs, diligently squeezing every penny from honest grafters like you and me. 

On the other, we have their press office, a PR paradise guzzling a cool £8 million a year! Sounds like a right royal bunfight, wouldn't you say?

Now, before you start picturing champagne flutes and caviar canapes, let's dissect this fiscal fandango. £8 million buys a lot of press releases, chummy chats with journalists, and carefully crafted soundbites. 

But for what? 

To tell us they're "cracking down on tax dodgers"? 

Please, the only thing they're cracking is open a new PR agency account.

Let's be honest, folks. HMRC's communication strategy could use a reality check. Instead of penning press releases that read like government-speak bingo, why not focus on, you know, actually helping taxpayers? 

Streamline the online system that resembles a labyrinth designed by Kafka himself. 

Answer the damn phones! 

Make it easier for us to understand and comply with our tax obligations, instead of wasting millions on spinning narratives.

And don't even get me started on the value for money. £8 million could:

• Fund an army of tax advisors to help confused citizens navigate the HMRC maze.
• Upgrade their creaking IT infrastructure from the dial-up era.
• Hire more compliance officers to catch the real tax dodgers, not just write press releases about them.

I'm all for clear communication. But when it comes to HMRC, their PR machine seems more concerned with image management than actual service. It's time for a serious rethink. Let's see some of that £8 million reinvested in taxpayers, not press chums. 

Otherwise, we'll have to ask: who's really dodging their responsibilities here?

Tax does have to be taxing.

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• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly

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Seems Legit!

Just received this in my inbox!

Tax does have to be taxing.

Tax Investigation Insurance

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Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees up to £100,000 if you are subject to enquiry by or dispute with HMRC.

A Solar Protect policy will enable your accountant (your tax return agent) to:

• Deal with any correspondence from HMRC
• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly

Please click here for details.

HMRC Is Shite (www.hmrcisshite.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Postmaster's Tax - Pro Bono Help With Tax On Post Office Compensation Payments

 

 

Postmaster's Tax

 

Help with your tax on compensation payments

 

This website was launched to bring together qualified accountants and tax advisers to offer sub-postmasters support with their tax affairs arising from compensation payments free of charge.

The scheme is managed by Rebecca Benneyworth MBE BSc FCA, a chartered accountant with 37 years' experience of dealing with tax on behalf of her clients. Rebecca was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to the tax profession. She was moved to offer help after reading about the tax issues sub-postmasters were encountering in a blog by Dan Neidle of Tax Policy Associates. 

Rebecca was brought up in a rural sub-post office in the 1950's and 60's and understands well how important sub-postmasters are to the community they serve.

Our thanks go to Nick Wallis and a number of sub-postmasters including Christopher Head who have helped to make people aware of this resource.

How we can help

Our scheme acts as a resource for sub-postmasters who have received compensation payments and are concerned about their tax position. You can contact us for help with tax returns or reassurance, or to act as a volunteer. Professionals acting for affected clients are welcome to contact us for our Factsheet on the technical issues.

 

Form can be accessed vis this link subpostmasterstax.org.uk/

 

Postmasters' tax - how your payments are taxed

GLO Compensation scheme(GLO)

Payments made under the  GLO (Group Litigation Order) compensation scheme comprise loss of earnings and interest. Because the earnings calculation was done based on your net pay (after tax) the loss of earnings element is not taxable. Any interest paid is exempt from tax by a specific exemption introduced by HMRC. 

Historic Shortfall Scheme (HSS)

Payments for loss of earnings made under the Historic Shortfall Scheme were calculated based on your pre tax earnings and are taxable if more than £30,000; PAYE was deducted from the payment. Post Office will make a top-up payment to bring the rate of tax down to the basic rate - the top up payments are exempt from tax. In addition you will have been paid interest, on which tax was deducted at 20%. Part of the top-up payment will also reduce the tax on the interest which may be liable to higher rates.

Your tax obligations

If you have received a taxable compensation payment between 6 April 2022 and 5 April 2023 you will need to complete a tax return by 31 January 2024 and pay the tax due; this only applies to recipients of HSS payments. HMRC has committed to cancelling any penalties and interest incurred as a result of not being able to file by the due date, or to pay the tax due to not receiving a top up payment. 

Help From HMRC

HMRC has set up a dedicated support team to help and advise on your tax obligations in relation to your compensation payment. There is information here telling you what you need to do and explaining how penalties and interest will be dealt with. A dedicated phone line will open on 10 January 2024 with a specialist HMRC team ready to help. The number is 0300 322 9625 and the line is open Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm

Tax does have to be taxing.

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Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees up to £100,000 if you are subject to enquiry by or dispute with HMRC.

A Solar Protect policy will enable your accountant (your tax return agent) to:

• Deal with any correspondence from HMRC
• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly

Please click here for details.

HMRC Is Shite (www.hmrcisshite.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"