Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Who is to blame for problems with the tax authorities?

Four tax advisers were bewailing the deterioration in the relationship between the tax authorities and taxpayers.

They thought that they would list the four main causes of the current problems. Their conclusions:


H, M, R and C.

1 comment:

Hugh Dunlop said...

rishew31 Underwood Street,
Glasgow G41 3EP.
0141 636 1685
3rd October 2011

HMR & C are currently running a campaign encouraging businesses to file online for Self-Assessment and V.A.T.
However the key to filing either of these online is having a U.T.R. (Unique Tax Reference). I have for months been trying to get a UTR for 2 of my clients. I have phoned various helplines to ask for help in doing this, but none of the advice given worked, that or the service was down for maintenance. Eventually, I gave up and attempted to download copies of form CWF1 for manual registration. Again I was unable to do this!!
I telephoned the orderline and asked them to send some. About 3 weeks later I received forms 64-8 (authorising you agent). I telephoned the orderline once more and was told my local tax office could give me some. I ordered some anyway, just in case.
Next day I went to my local tax office which had none, and could not download them from the internet.
In the meantime I was being pressed for their UTRs by my clients, who looked rather sceptical when I tried to explain the reason for the delay.
Eventually, the paper forms were received and I submitted them immediately.
When I had not received a reply within 10 days, I phoned the agents helpline. The girl I spoke to said it was currently taking about 4 weeks to process these paper forms, but I could request a UTR online. When I told her of my difficulties in doing this she said she had done it herself in the past, and if I gave her a few moments to set up her computer to do this, she would guide me through the process. After a few moments she asked me to hold on as she was going for a word with her supervisor. When she returned she informed me that this service had been withdrawn. WHY?
The deadlines for filing are; on paper 31st October and online 31st January. However the deadline for registering for either of these services is 31st October. So do not be complacent and think you need do nothing until January. ACT NOW.
The penalty system has also altered. The concession by which you could file late and you would not be fined if there was no tax to pay has been withdrawn. One day late means a fine of £100, plus daily fines until the return is made.
Hugh Dunlop. ACIS, FFA, FIAB

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