HMRC Fine Appeal

[I Hear You]

This is a bit of a ridiculous situation I've created for myself but here goes...

When I was paying myself and my partners tax bill at the end of January I stupidly put my details in twice so both payments were credited to my UTR. A few weeks later we got a letter from HMRC saying a balance was outstanding on my partners account, pay it now or else etc etc...So I checked and realised my cock up. The tax bill was settled a few days later + a bit of interest for a late payment.

Then today we receive a letter telling us we have a fine of £300 to pay for late payment. Grrrrrr!

Question is what are the chances of us appealing against this fine based on the fact a payment was made just into the wrong account? Has anyone else had a similar problem?

 

[SBlundell]

Not seen it myself personally (I don't often deal with personal tax) but HMRC internal manuals on the subject are here.

First of all, I assume your error wasn't corrected within 30 days of the 31st Jan?

Secondly, you'll notice under possibly acceptable reasons there's 'duplicate return' (I know you're referring to payment but might be lucky!) but also under not acceptable reasons there's 'cheque made out incorrectly'.

I'm fairly certain HMRC will take the stance that it's your responsibility to ensure payments are correctly labelled & allocated - however, & I quote, 'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.'

Plus of course you rectified as soon as you realised your mistake which would work in your favour.

Hopefully someone who's had similar situation will be along shortly....

 

[Swisaw]

Just make an appeal and explain the situation.