HMRC Chases Low Hanging £89 Debts

Well, folks, it seems the halls of HMRC are filled with more than just festive cheer this year. No, nestled amongst the spreadsheets and tax codes sits a Grinch disguised as a bean counter – the esteemed Jim Harra, Chief Executive of the taxman himself. 

Recent news has revealed Jim's jolly penchant for chasing taxpayers down for debts as measly as a tenner short of a hundred quid. That's right, folks, if your granny forgot to declare a pack of Werther's Originals on her biscuit tax, Jim's hounds will be baying for your blood (or at least your loose change).

Now, I'm not saying everyone deserves a free pass for a cheeky tenner here or there. 

But seriously, Jim? 

Chasing down folks for less than the price of a decent Christmas pie? 

It's Scrooge-like, bordering on downright miserly. You'd think a man in charge of collecting the nation's dosh would have a bit more perspective. It's not like these folks are dodging Lamborghinis and caviar, are they? They're probably struggling to afford the sprouts this year, let alone a tax debt the size of a gnat's sneeze.

But Jim, in his infinite bean-counting wisdom, claims it's all about "risk-based debt management." Apparently, even a tenner-sized debt can snowball into a mountain of paperwork and wasted resources. Right. Because sending letters and making calls for an eighty-nine quid debt is definitely the best use of HMRC's time and money.

Here's the thing, Jim. When you chase people down for piddling sums, it doesn't make you look efficient, it makes you look petty. It sends a message that you're more interested in squeezing every last penny out of folks than actually making the tax system fair and manageable. And that, my friends, is a recipe for resentment.

So, Jim, if you're reading this, take a tip from an old hand. Lighten up a bit. Show some Christmas spirit. Let the ten-pound debts slide and focus on the real tax dodgers – the ones with offshore accounts and fancy lawyers. That way, you might actually earn some goodwill and maybe, just maybe, make the taxman a bit less Grinch-like in the eyes of the public.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a mince pie and a healthy dose of cynicism about the state of our fiscal affairs. Merry Christmas, everyone. And remember, if Old Man Harra comes calling for your fiver, tell him Ken sent you.

Yours in fiscal disbelief,

Ken

Tax does have to be taxing.

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HMRC Taking The Piss and Restricting Access To Helplines

 

Starting December 11 (until 31 January), HMRC will be implementing a new screening process for calls to its self-assessment helpline and Agent Dedicated Line. Only calls deemed "priority" will be answered directly, while others will be directed to online resources or left on hold for an unspecified period. This decision has raised eyebrows and prompted worries about accessibility and customer service.

Proponents of the new approach argue that it aims to streamline the support process, ensuring that only those with pressing concerns receive immediate attention. They claim that this will free up agents to focus on more complex issues, improving overall efficiency.

However, critics of the move cite accessibility concerns. They argue that many taxpayers, particularly those with limited digital literacy or those facing time constraints, may not be able to effectively navigate online resources. Additionally, lengthy hold times could lead to frustration, anxiety, and potential compliance issues.

The temporary closure of the self-assessment phone line this summer further heightened concerns. While HMRC attributed this closure to resource limitations, it reinforced the notion that taxpayers may face barriers in accessing the support they need.

The move to restrict HMRC's helplines raises a critical question: are we moving towards a more efficient and streamlined service, or are we creating a system that alienates and disadvantages taxpayers?

Needless to say this action is not in the best interests of the taxpayers!

Tax does have to be taxing.

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Who Pays Most Tax?

The top 100 taxpayers in the UK collectively paid a staggering £4.6 billion of income and capital gains tax in 2021/22, the equivalent of £46m each

33.3m pay income & Capital gain tax in UK out of a population of 67.33 million - so that's about 50% of the population https://t.co/EFeRq45acP

— CheapAccounting.co.uk (@cheapaccounting) December 4, 2023

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"