The HMRC was forced to issue a clarification after an unnecessary tax demand letter. One confused taxpayer contacted HMRC after receiving a strongly worded letter uging them to settle a tax payment – even though their online account showed they had nothing to pay.
They contacted the authority over X on July 31 to ask: “I received a demanding letter telling me to make a self assessment payment by today.
“However, when I log in to my account, it tells me I have no tax to pay. Which one of your services is correct?”
The tax authority said in its initial response what may be causing the issue. A representative said: “It sounds like the payment you’re being asked to make is your second payment on account.
“Could you tell me if you’ve logged into your personal tax account then selected the ‘Self assessment’ tile to review your statement for any balances that you may owe?”
The customer said they had tried this, saying: “I’ve done this and the service is telling me I have no tax to pay. Unsure why I received the letter, if this is the case.”
HMRC then asked them to clarify if they had made the payments in account that were due.
The concerned taxpayer replied: “I’ve not paid since the last payment – however, online, the platform says no tax to pay.
“So, should I assume there is no tax to pay? I really don’t want a surprise fine.”
The department responded to suggest that if the letter advised making a payment by a due date then to do so.
They added: “Any overpayment, you’ll able to claim back once you send in your tax return for 23/24.”
But the customer reiterated their confusion about the matter, responding: “There’s no suggestion anywhere of how much I should pay, though.
“There’s no indication on the online platform that I owe anything, that’s the problem.”
HMRC then clarified: “If it states online that there’s no tax to pay, you won’t need to make a payment.”
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