Help me please, the taxman's after me!

[johnny fotze]

I filed my self-assessment recently, I like to get it out of the way nice and early as things tend to get tidied up in our house and not seen again for months!
Anyway, I received a letter today to say I was being investigated. No worries I thought, I keep everything in order. However, reading on it seems I'm being investigated for claiming exemption from class 4 NI contributions. I've no idea why I ticked the 'I'm exempt' box, I don't even come close to qualifying for exemption. It really is a genuine error, I have no intent to de fraud anyone. What can I expect? And what can I do to help my case?

[Steffan]

Try Eric Mc on here. He is widely regarded and will point you in the right direction. Everyday event for tax professionals. Best sorted out as soon as.

[Allanv]

Another recommendation for Eric.

But would you be better off ringing and explaining it was a mistake, but thinking about it maybe they need a jolly.

But as said Eric will give the best advice.

[boxedin]

IME if you make a genuine error, phone them and explain. They'll sort it. I failed to complete a rather key box on a self-assessment one year and received a 'you owe us £££££s' letter ( these letters always turn up on a Saturday ). So I called them up on the Monday, had a good laugh at my expense / worry and all was sorted.

[stewjohnst]

You may just be able to ring them and explain it was a mistake and get a slapped wrist and a small fine but as ianal or an accountant you may want to seek advice.

I made a similar boob once by assuming that my p11d would show a company car and they'd just remove my tax relief for personal mileage. They didn't, i never checked and I got a similar letter to yours.

They were happy that is was an honest mistake but they have the power to apply a penalty up to 100% of the value owed and they charged me a £1000 on top of what I owed to make me pay attention in future.

Edited by stewjohnst on Monday 23 June 23:31

[sumo69]

Just call them, apologise for the innocent mistake and that should be the end of it assuming you have a squeaky clean history with your tax affairs.

And for the record, Eric isn't the only accountant offering free advice on here...

David

[johnny fotze]

Firstly, thank you to the moderator for moving this to the right place.
Secondly, thanks to all who took time to reply and advise. I've given them a call and explained my error. They were happy to accept it was a genuine error, and though I'll obviously have to pay what I owe (and quite right too, are you reading this Barlow?!) plus some interest, but there'll be no penalty; THIS TIME.
Again, my thanks to you all.