Fines for late returns already sent out by HMRC

[Bouleversee]

Just heard on the news that several people have received fines from HMRC for late submission for the year 17-18 though it is not yet Jan.31 and in at least one case where a return has in fact been submitted. HMRC deny sending out fine notices and demands. Is this an almighty blunder or a scamming activity, I wonder?

[PinkDalek]

Just heard on the news that several people have received fines from HMRC for late submission for the year 17-18 though it is not yet Jan.31 and in at least one case where a return has in fact been submitted. HMRC deny sending out fine notices and demands. Is this an almighty blunder or a scamming activity, I wonder?

The Times is apparently reporting the same https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hmrc ... 1547884616

Some of them now appear to have been wrongly sent late penalty notices.

You may be able to find the article itself but it might be an error or relate to later paper returns where the deadline was 31 October 2018.

[Bouleversee]

Thanks. I have now read all the comments. It is quite clear that fines and demands for payment have been rec'd by people (or their accountants) who have filed online before the deadline. It would appear that an outside contractor used to deal with all this but it has now been taken back in house. Someone asked why and I expect the answer is "money" as the same thing is happening with the legal affairs of my county council and nothing makes sense there either. Perhaps I should ask The Times to sort out the problem I have with them over a road issue.

[XFool]

It would appear that an outside contractor used to deal with all this but it has now been taken back in house. Someone asked why and I expect the answer is "money" as the same thing is happening with the legal affairs of my county council and nothing makes sense there either.

I thought "money" was the usual reason given in the past for why such things were originally outsourced? Oh well, I expect somebody somewhere knows what is going on. Hopefully.

[Bouleversee]

Well, I was told it was down to money by someone in the highways dept. when I asked which law firm was doing it and he said the legal work was in process of going back to the council. Doesn't necessarily make It true, of course. My impression is that they make up the law as they go along to suit their book and lack of money.

[Bouleversee]

HMRC have now admitted the mistake and apologised.

[PinkDalek]

HMRC have now admitted the mistake and apologised.

See also viewtopic.php?f=49&t=15820 and the link therein.