Incorrect liabilities on HMRC employer PAYE accounts are an increasingly common problem, and many of these cannot be solved by software suppliers.
It’s time we all complained and sent HMRC invoices for all of our wasted time.
Some of these have arisen because
- RTI returns or other notifications or payments to HMRC have not been processed correctly, or indeed at all
- Employee records have been duplicated
- Amounts have been reallocated without reference to employer or agent.
There are also difficulties interpreting what is shown on HMRC’s Business Tax Dashboard. Hours are being wasted on the phone to HMRC trying to sort things out or even negotiate with bailiffs collecting apparent PAYE debts that are not due.
If you recognise any of this, you will be aware that this takes time, and time is money. Interestingly, and ironically in the light of events, the impact assessment published alongside Budget 2012, which has not been updated, estimated that RTI was supposed to save employers more than £300 million per year.
Given the current problems surrounding RTI, it seems timely to remind the people at the coal-face about how to complain to HMRC and seek financial redress.
When reclaiming additional professional fees, you should supply HMRC with a receipted fee note. To help cash flow we suggest that agents bill separately for such additional costs and the client pays by cheque, which is then banked by the agent once the employer/client receives reimbursement from HMRC.
For PAYE RTI problems, write to HMRC at the following address:
Customer Operations Employer Office
BP4102
Chillingham House
Benton Park View
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1ZZ
