Certain well known shipping companies have been happily trying to scam recipients of packages sent from abroad by adding "clearance duties", "brokerage fess" and other such nonsense all under the guise of "Customs and Duties" invoices.
Guess what children?
It transpires that they are taking he piss, and trying to pull a fast one. HMRC are aware of this, and frown upon it.
Those of you who receive such an invoice, are more than welcome to use this proforma letter that I have successfully used on more than one occasion:
"Thank you for your invoice ***** for £** (dated ***).
Please be advised that as no explanation was given, despite repeated requests, as to what the charges were for (prior to the attempted delivery today) the delivery was refused.
However, subsequent to the attempted delivery an explanation was received.
I will pay the customs duties of £**.
However, please be advised that I refuse to pay the Brokerage Fees/Admin Fees of £**; since at no point was I made aware of, nor did I agree to, any terms and conditions which clearly stated that I would be liable for any such charges.
At no point in the transaction, and subsequent attempted delivery, was any contract for a clearance of administration charge made between *** and myself.
I paid the supplier for delivery, and would expect that any international clearance fees be factored into the initial cost of such a shipment.
The £** is not a duty or tax, as such you should not use a duty/tax invoice to try to claim it.
I will be making HMRC aware of this, as they have in the past publicly criticised companies for doing this.
If you wish to pursue further charges for delivery or administration or the terms upon which goods are shipped, I suggest that you take it up with the company who shipped the goods initially.
Please resubmit an amended invoice for me to pay, and advise me as to when delivery will be made.
Thank you.
Kind regards"
Tax does have to be taxing.
Tax Investigation Insurance
Market leading tax fee protection insurance for businesses, sole traders and individuals. Protect yourself from accountancy fees in the event of an HMRC enquiry.
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"
No comments:
Post a Comment