Correspondence delays – 2

I was interested to read the problem from Frustrated Reader about the problems experienced when trying to obtain a reply to correspondence from HMRC. (See Correspondence delays.)

This is very similar to problems that I have had with a number of cases and being of the ‘old school’ – I started in tax in 1966 when you could telephone a tax office and speak to the person actually dealing with the case – I do now find the whole business of dealing with HMRC both tiresome and extremely frustrating.

In one particular case I act for a taxpayer who is unfortunately confined to a hospital and whose affairs are looked after by a deputy.

Correspondence was sent to HMRC fully explaining the position and advising that tax was payable and requesting a unique taxpayer reference (UTR) enabling money to be paid and returns submitted.