Accountants-High-Wycombe-1536x439

01494 439013

How to deal with tax appeals

There are a number of options open to taxpayers who disagree with a tax decision issued by HMRC. It is important to note that not all decisions by HMRC can be appealed against. There is normally a 30-day deadline for making a claim, so time is of the essence.

If you or your business have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak, the time limit has been extended. HMRC will give you an extra 3 months to appeal. You should still send your appeal as soon as you can, and explain the delay is because of coronavirus.

The case worker, who made the decision, will look at your case again and consider your appeal. If there is no change, HMRC will then carry out a review using HMRC officers that were not involved in the original decision. A response to an appeal is usually made within 45 days, but can take longer if a complex issue.

If a taxpayer does not want a review or disagrees with the review, they can either appeal to the independent tax tribunal or use the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. The ADR uses independent HMRC facilitators to help resolve disputes between HMRC and taxpayer. The use of the ADR seeks to find a fair and quick outcome for both parties, helping to reduce costs and avoid a tribunal case. 

More Posts

Breaking even – checking the numbers

In previous newsfeeds we have described how you can calculate the level of turnover you need to create in order to meet all your costs whether they be fixed costs (rent, rates etc.,) or variable costs (goods you need to buy to convert into goods you sell).

For example, if your fixed costs are £50,000 per annum and your variable costs are 25% of your turnover, the annual turnover you need to breakeven will be £200,000. The formula is:

Annual fixed costs divided by 25 (the gross profit)

Bereavement Support Payment

The amount of Bereavement Support Payment you can claim will depend on your relationship to the person who died and when you make your claim.

Your payments will be paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.

If you were married or in a registered civil partnership with the person who died

If you were receiving Child Benefit when your partner died (or did not get it but were entitled to it), you will get the higher rate.

This is made up of:

a first payment of £3,500;

Tax codes for employees

The P9X form is used to notify employers of the tax codes to use for employees. The latest version of the form has been published and shows the tax codes to use from 6 April 2023. The form states that the basic personal allowance for the tax year starting 6 April 2023 will, as expected, be £12,570 (£12,570 in 2022-23) and this means that the tax code for emergency use will remain at 1257L.

The basic rate limit will be £37,700 (£37,700 in 2022-23) except for those defined as Scottish taxpayers

Properties not let at commercial rates

There are special rules where a property is let at less than a commercial rate or isn’t let on commercial terms. These rules also apply if a property is occupied rent free or at less than a commercial rate, for example, a property is occupied by a family member at a reduced or nil rent.

In these circumstances, HMRC can take the view that unless the landlord charges a full market rent for a property and imposes normal market lease conditions, it is unlikely that the expenses of the property are

Send Us A Message