Earlier this week i found myself about to eat a slice of humble pie. Out of the blue (well, postman’s bag actually) I received a communication from HMRCS consisting of a covering header sheet to which was attached a cheque for a significant sum (almost 300 quidlets). The covering letter said I would be informed of the calculation under separate cover (and at further cost to the taxpayer, of course).
Postponing my pie-fest for a day or so, I awaited the said ‘calculation’ which, to my amazement, was for the tax year 2004/2005. Did they only check my account for the last 6 years? – who knows?
As I my sole income has been from government pensions for the last 13 years or so, how has this ‘error’ only just come to their attention?
The revenue system had been applying the wrong tax code that they themselves issued to another government agency – what chance has an individual working in the private sector have of receiving a fair deal from these people?
Coupled with the arrogance of the head of HMRCS who claimed that he has no need to apologise for their ****-ups, it is little wonder our country finds itself in a fiscal pickle.
I suppose I should be thankful that THEIR ERROR was made in my favour: my sympathies to those who find themselves on the other side of the balance sheet.