HMRC Strike Action - 31 January 2012
Discussion
Just a warning. HMRC staff are threatening a walk out on the Self Assessment filing deadline day - so there could be chaos next Tuesday.
Advice - file now, not next Tuesday.
Apparently there are still 2.5 million unfiled 2010/11 tax returns - so the HMRC on-line filing system is going to be VERY busy over the next week.
Advice - file now, not next Tuesday.
Apparently there are still 2.5 million unfiled 2010/11 tax returns - so the HMRC on-line filing system is going to be VERY busy over the next week.
do us all a favour HMRC, don't hurry back to work!Last Monday I spent most of the morning attempting to get through to the Self Assessment help line, eventually giving up, and in desperation driving the eight miles to my local HM tax office.
Apart from being able to park right outside, which in itself was a pleasant surprise, walking into the foyer of the building, I was quickly intercepted by a male receptionist.
After explaining that I had failed to get through on the telephone to the SA help line, the receptionist stated that phoning from a residential phone number, placed the caller at the bottom of the calls priority list. In the foyer I was shown to a row of telephone cubicles, invited to dial a 3 digit number, and told that immediately I would be talking to a tax adviser, and that if I needed further help, then I could have a meeting in person with a tax adviser. I pointed out that I really required the help of a tax technician on CGT, and was informed if one was not available, then one would contact me by telephone later.
I then dialed the number, within 5 rings, I was talking to the help line, where I requested the advice of a technician on CGT, put straight through, given the advice, confirmation that I was looking for, Self Assessment completed that day.
I appreciate not everyone has either the time or the convenience of a local tax office, but if you do, then the above is a quicker way of obtaining advice and completing one’s Self Assessment.
As to possible industrial action, changes in policies, increase in work loads, together with the lack of resources, must make it a very difficult environment to work in.
Apart from being able to park right outside, which in itself was a pleasant surprise, walking into the foyer of the building, I was quickly intercepted by a male receptionist.
After explaining that I had failed to get through on the telephone to the SA help line, the receptionist stated that phoning from a residential phone number, placed the caller at the bottom of the calls priority list. In the foyer I was shown to a row of telephone cubicles, invited to dial a 3 digit number, and told that immediately I would be talking to a tax adviser, and that if I needed further help, then I could have a meeting in person with a tax adviser. I pointed out that I really required the help of a tax technician on CGT, and was informed if one was not available, then one would contact me by telephone later.
I then dialed the number, within 5 rings, I was talking to the help line, where I requested the advice of a technician on CGT, put straight through, given the advice, confirmation that I was looking for, Self Assessment completed that day.
I appreciate not everyone has either the time or the convenience of a local tax office, but if you do, then the above is a quicker way of obtaining advice and completing one’s Self Assessment.
As to possible industrial action, changes in policies, increase in work loads, together with the lack of resources, must make it a very difficult environment to work in.
Mr Whippy said:
Arghh bollarks... got mine to do yet.
I really need to get an accountant for some 10/11 advice, 11/12 advice, and then moving forward into 12/13
Will a general accountant be good for general business advice, ie, sole trading vs registered business and so on?
Hmmmmm
Cheers
Dave
That's what we're for.I really need to get an accountant for some 10/11 advice, 11/12 advice, and then moving forward into 12/13
Will a general accountant be good for general business advice, ie, sole trading vs registered business and so on?
Hmmmmm
Cheers
Dave
cliotrophy9 said:
I don't get it - why not just do it in April/May and get it out the way?
I really don't understand why you would wait until the last minute to do it anyway.
It doesn't make sense. But I am a chronic procrastinator who finds it very difficult to do anything now/today that I can do tomorrow.I really don't understand why you would wait until the last minute to do it anyway.
This has been gradually improving since I have my own business now ... But still have a fair way to go.
I am certainly going to do next year's tax in May-June so that I can have everything ready ... So I hope.
cliotrophy9 said:
I don't get it - why not just do it in April/May and get it out the way?
I really don't understand why you would wait until the last minute to do it anyway.
You're right, of course, but I bet HMRC enjoy the extra £100+million they get in penalties from late payers. With the penalty changes this could be a bumper year.I really don't understand why you would wait until the last minute to do it anyway.
cliotrophy9 said:
I don't get it - why not just do it in April/May and get it out the way?
I really don't understand why you would wait until the last minute to do it anyway.
In a way, you are correct. BUT the law says you are perfectly entitled to submit the return right up to midnight 31 January. So, if a person choses to do this, they should be facilitated,. They are obeying the law and should not be compromised by an inadequate system or an internal staff conflict in fulfilling their legal duties.I really don't understand why you would wait until the last minute to do it anyway.
Having said all that, there are often circumstances where it is not possible for a taxpayer to submit a tax return as early as April or May. Taxpayers often have to wait on information to be provided by a 3rd party - such as an employer, a bank, another accountant, a district valuer etc. Sometimes trying to get such information can be extremely frustrating and every year I handle a few returns which have been held up through no fault of the taxpayer.
Everybody's circumstances are different. Don't assume that because you can submit yours early that everyone is so lucky.
Of course, you will always get some people who leave stuff to the last minute. But, as I aaid at the start, they are totally within their rights to submit their return as late as they like as long as it is before the deadline.
Eric Mc said:
Of course, you will always get some people who leave stuff to the last minute. But, as I aaid at the start, they are totally within their rights to submit their return as late as they like as long as it is before the deadline.
This.My return could be submitted as early as June, but it was done yesterday.
And I am married to an HMRC inspector, which apparantly makes it more likely come under scrutiny, and therefore has to be whiter than white!
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