Are Your HMRC Records Up To Date? | Or was it lost in the post? |
Posted by Roger Eddowes on 31/12/2020 @ 8:00AM How often do we hear that something got lost in the post? But have you ever thought about what happens if a letter from HMRC is returned to them as undelivered? If you're HMRC records aren't up to date, they could mark you as missing and won't issue a Return! copyright: hyrons / 123rf Well, HMRC’s new policy is to mark the individual or business as 'missing', resulting in, for example, the business' VAT record being frozen or the individual’s self-assessment account being frozen.
"HMRC won’t seek to contact the individual or business, nor will it contact the agent accountant!"
So, the first time you will notice that something is wrong is when you come to file your Return and you can’t because one hasn't been issued. This doesn't get you out of the responsibility to file a Return or pay taxes, and as you can easily see, it could all end up a bit of a mess. To resolve the issue it’s likely to be the taxpayer who will have to speak to HMRC to reopen their file.
I would certainly recommend that notes of any calls are made in case a penalty is imposed. There shouldn’t be a penalty for the late filing of a Return as a Return wasn’t issued.
Depending on the timings, it may well be that the end of a VAT quarter has passed and that the business will need to complete a VAT Return for 6 months rather than two 3 month periods!
So, if you have recently moved, or are planning on moving in the near future, be sure to add 'Update HMRC records' to your checklist to avoid any issues.
Until next time ... 
ROGER EDDOWES
Business Godparent
Would you like to know more? If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.
Don't forget to stay updated with our daily social media posts on Facebook. About Roger Eddowes ... |  | | Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.
Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions. |
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