HMRC Customer Service Issues

As a Czech Republic tax resident working for a UK company as airline crew, you may be able to take advantage of the double taxation agreement (DTA) between the countries. According to article 15, paragraph 3 of the DTA, income earned aboard an aircraft may be taxed only in the country of residence. This means that your income for the 'Employment' section, field 1, may be considered 0, and you can report it using form HS304. If you need to pay tax for the days you physically worked in the UK, you may need to use a different form to indicate the number of days you were present and working in the UK. Between Apr 6, [redacted], and Jan 7, [redacted], you worked overseas, and from Jan 8 to Apr 5, [redacted], you physically worked in the UK for 19 days.

I would like to report a social club, Bitītes Akadēmija, a Latvian school in Aberdeen, which appears to be operating without official registration. They collect money without issuing receipts for rent and materials. They meet fortnightly and will have a parents' meeting on October 28th at 12:00PM to discuss finances for Christmas at [redacted]-[redacted] Holburn Street, Aberdeen, AB10 7LL. I believe they rent space from South Holburn Parish Church. I wish to remain anonymous due to being part of the Latvian community. I am willing to provide further information if needed.

Dear Forum Users, I recently relocated to the UK from Spain with my wife, who is a Spanish citizen. As a Pakistani national holding an Article 10 EU card, I obtained my National Insurance number and commenced working. Unfortunately, when attempting to open a bank account to receive my income, I faced challenges due to my nationality. Various UK banks informed me that despite my EU status, my Pakistani nationality prevents me from opening an account. Not being able to access my wages has created significant hardships for us. The banks suggested contacting HMRC to obtain a letter or confirmation of my right to stay in the UK, which could help resolve this issue. I appreciate any guidance or advice on how to navigate this situation effectively. Regards, U.A.

I recently received a letter from HMRC in January stating I was penalized for not submitting my self-assessment for the 2[redacted] tax year. Despite informing them I wasn't self-employed, they stated that since I filed one the previous year to claim mileage, I needed to do so again. I appealed the penalty after finally being advised on how to submit a self-assessment, around six months ago. Last week, I was informed the penalty was dropped, but received another letter saying I owed £2.00 due to a recalculation. Now, I have been hit with a £[redacted] penalty for submitting the assessment late. This situation has spiraled out of control, causing me significant stress. I need assistance in resolving this matter promptly.

Subject: Tax Calculation Discrepancy Notice Dear HMRC, I recently received a letter regarding an alleged underpayment of £[redacted].64 in taxes for the year 2[redacted]. However, it seems to overlook the £[redacted].20 I paid online and the £52.41 refund I received for overpayment. On reviewing my records for the past two years, I have noticed several discrepancies and have spent numerous hours on the phone attempting to rectify these errors. One significant concern is being taxed £22.50 on £[redacted] savings income, which is below the personal allowance for bank interest. Could you kindly investigate these matters and advise me on any necessary steps to resolve them promptly? Sincerely, Deborah C.

I encountered issues obtaining a new password to register for corporation tax. Despite receiving a new password and an additional code, I find the service to be incredibly frustrating. The website is not user-friendly, and navigating for assistance feels like a confusing maze. As someone with Dyslexia, Asperger's, and mental health challenges, I am struggling with the process and contemplate giving up. However, I am aware that failing to pay my taxes punctually may lead to fines. Despite being assured by an HMRC representative that a new password would clarify the login process, the situation remains unchanged. I urge HMRC to contact me promptly to address this matter before it escalates further.

Today on my mobile at 3:45 pm, I received a recorded automated phone call from the number 0[redacted] stating that I was on a fraud list and a summons was issued. I believe this could be a spam call, as I have always paid my taxes through work and recently started my sole trader business. I am unsure why HMRC would contact me this way. I have not received any other notifications. If HMRC needs to reach me, I would like to know the standard procedure. If more details are necessary, please contact me via email.

Hello, I am Davide Matichecchia, one of the Directors of AJJ ALEXANDROU LTD. Today, I encountered an issue with receiving my tax return. The previous address I used was [redacted]-[redacted] Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 5PH, but now our head office address is 62 Elmar Road, South Tottenham N15 5DJ. Due to legal issues with the landlord and difficulties accessing mail, I may not receive important correspondence. I am seeking clarification if I can receive any refunds at the new head office address. Your assistance regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated. If needed, my contact number is [redacted]1. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Davide Matichecchia

In my recent relocation for work, I was informed in a one-on-one meeting that I would receive travel expenses for two years. I specifically asked if I could claim for car journeys when my husband drives me due to my inability to drive and was assured that it was possible. However, when I tried to claim for the 24-mile round trip that my husband makes to drop me off and pick me up, I was informed that I couldn't claim as I wasn't the driver of the car, despite the fact that it's a family car purchased with joint funds. As an individual with a back condition that makes public transport challenging and painful, especially for longer journeys, I am struggling with the limitations imposed by the company's HR department. I need clarity on whether I am indeed eligible to claim for car travel as initially discussed. The discrepancy between what was promised during our meeting and the current denial of this claim is causing me distress. I seek clarification on my entitlements in this situation.Thank you, Susan G.

Dear Sir or Madam, I have recently inherited from my late husband, David W. I am honoring his memory with charitable donations, ranging from books to larger contributions to organizations like the University of St Andrews and MacMillan Cancer Care. Each time I donate, I am asked to complete Gift Aid forms. A recent thank you letter from another charity mentioned that I would need to pay the difference if I pay less in Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount claimed through Gift Aid. This amount could exceed my total income. I seek advice on this matter. Regards, Marie H.

I previously reached out regarding a case and it appears there was a misunderstanding in our communication. Here is the initial interaction with you: "Ms. Yonka Vladimirova, NIN SJ [redacted] B, [redacted]9. Last month, I received 2 voicemails from HMRC, with one on 14.11.18 from the number [redacted]9 while I was abroad. Upon returning to London, the voicemails were deleted by "3" before I could retrieve them. Fortunately, I saved the number and attempted to contact HMRC today unsuccessfully. I would appreciate assistance in finding out the purpose of the calls and provide any necessary information. Thank you, Yonka Vladimirova."

Hello, I have been trying to get in touch with HMRC for a few weeks regarding overpaid taxes from my previous and current job. Initially, I was informed that I wouldn't receive a refund until June next year. I explained that this timeline doesn't work for me as I have been overtaxed since the last tax year and I need the refund for Christmas and important expenses like my car. I am disappointed by the difficulty in reaching HMRC as most of my calls go unanswered due to high call volumes. I believe I am owed around £[redacted] in overpaid taxes and would like to resolve this matter promptly. It has been frustrating to see money deducted from my pay for six months, especially as a college student struggling with limited income. Thank you, Miss A.N. Warner

I recently received a request from the Home Office asking for "Statements from HR Revenue & Customs confirming the dates of payment of National Insurance contributions" for my Indefinite Leave to Remain application under the Windrush scheme. The letter is a follow-up from their end. I attempted to call for assistance, but was unable to reach anyone. The deadline for submitting the required information is by the end of next week.

After speaking with your online help desk on Monday the 10th, I was instructed to use this chat service to verify if my activation pin for the online service I requested on Wednesday the 5th of December has been sent to me. I was informed that the activation pin needed to be mailed by today to ensure it arrives before the 26th of December. Could you please confirm this for me? Details: - Name: Peter Martin Adie - UTR Number: [redacted] - National Ins Number: WL201573B

I am writing on behalf of my daughter who is 38 weeks pregnant. Five months ago, she and her former partner purchased their first home with a clause restricting them from selling for another year and a half. Following her partner's affair, my daughter left to stay with me, worried about trust and their shared home. Despite his promise to move eventually, uncertainty looms over her return after the baby is born. Regarding tax credits as a single person while on maternity leave, she needs clarification due to her upcoming financial responsibilities. She is set on separating from her ex and seeks guidance on proving this legally. The uncertainty of him leaving and potential benefits eligibility adds complexity to her situation. If worst comes to worst, she may have to endure sharing the home until they can sell, as penalties for early sale are unaffordable.

My girlfriend and I had a ticket booked with Megabus from Edinburgh to Stirling at 12:15 am on Boxing Day (technically 27th of December). The bus driver informed us that there was no service to Stirling, leaving us stranded in Edinburgh. We purchased the ticket from the Megabus website, but it appears the service was never available. Forced to stay at the nearest hotel, Ibis, we had to pay over £80 for a room, plus an additional £16 for train tickets the next day. Taxis were too expensive as an alternative. Megabus has caused us significant financial loss and distress by selling a service they did not provide. I believe this situation is either illegal or on the verge of being illegal. I am seeking compensation for the inconvenience they have caused us.

My name is Godfrey Frank Nel, and my NI number is ST486847D. I resided in the UK for 2 years, specifically working at UK Soundproofing as a self-employed individual from March 16, [redacted], to April 4, [redacted]. During this time, they deducted 30% tax. Upon returning to South Africa in March [redacted], I was advised by HMRC to complete my self-assessment. After receiving and completing the initial forms with a £[redacted] penalty, I was then asked for further forms which I sent back from South Africa via Air mail in December. However, HMRC rejected the forms that UK Soundproofing signed on my behalf and requested original signatures. Subsequently, UK Soundproofing received a penalty notice of £[redacted] from HMRC (reference number [redacted]K). I kindly request the penalty to be waived as I am currently in South Africa and unable to afford the amount. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in resolving this issue. Sincerely, Godfrey Frank Nel

I am writing on behalf of my mother who is experiencing difficulties reaching out to you. She is employed part-time and is currently on a higher tax code despite not meeting the tax threshold. Her employer advised her to contact your office regarding this matter. Due to her work schedule, she is only available in the morning before noon. Could you kindly suggest the best time for her to contact your office to discuss and resolve this tax issue effectively? Thank you for your assistance.

I would like to address an ongoing issue that I have been experiencing difficulty resolving due to the lack of available staff at your organization. Since my marriage on October 1st, [redacted], I have attempted to update my name on my tax record. However, the online system requires me to verify my identity, which is challenging as my ID is in my married name. Despite numerous attempts to contact you by phone, I have been unable to speak with a live person. I am frustrated and considering escalating this matter. It is perplexing to me how you can collect my taxes and National Insurance contributions under my married name, which seems to be disconnected from my NI number. It is imperative that this discrepancy be addressed promptly. I am eager to be provided with a reliable point of contact to assist with this issue urgently. Rest assured, as a fellow civil servant, I will closely monitor the handling and resolution of my complaint.

I am bringing this matter to your attention in hopes of preventing further fraudulent activity. I recently received an email claiming to be from HMRC. It is evident that the email is not legitimate, but it may deceive some individuals. I have included the contents of the email below for your reference. Subject: Claim Your UK Government Refund Amount: £[redacted].51 GBP Link Valid Until: December 22, [redacted] The email requests that the recipient click a link to claim a tax refund. It falsely asserts that the recipient has overpaid taxes. The message is signed by the "Head of Digital Support for Business and Agents." If needed, I can forward the complete email to an address provided. Regards, G.N. Perry