djsle Posted September 21, 2022 Share Posted September 21, 2022 Hi Everyone, A while ago I received a letter from HMRC demanding a charge for not submitting self assessments for the years 2017 to 2021 and that if I did not pay or make arrangements they would put this into the hands of the ATO to follow up. This was my reply: I ceased operating as a self employed sole trader in the UK in 2014, at which point I completed my final tax return and notified HMRC of my intention to cease trading. Some time later I received my final tax bill which was paid in full. I then took up an employed position on PAYE until the end of March 2016. I then left the UK and moved to New Zealand for 2 years, I then moved to Australia. This letter that I have received from HMRC is the first correspondence I have ever had! They have replied saying they still want the money, and the last 6 years self assessments sending in. All of this time I have been over here. Finally, although my UK State Pension is quite small, can hmrc take it? I would gratefully appreciate any advice. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DIG85 Posted September 21, 2022 Share Posted September 21, 2022 (edited) If you genuinely ceased your sole trader business (and had no other untaxed sources of UK income) then you have nothing to worry about. The ATO has no power to enforce UK tax law so that seems like an empty threat. HMRC can take money from your bank account but they need to be able to show that you owe them money. Is this definitely a letter from HMRC and not a fraudster? Probably worth giving them a call and explaining your situation. Edited September 21, 2022 by DIG85 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsle Posted September 21, 2022 Author Share Posted September 21, 2022 Thank you for your prompt reply. I'm afraid that after 8 years I have no documentation actually proving that I ceased trading. It is simply HMRC's word against mine. The letter appears genuine and not fraudulent. I have requested a call from the forums tax specialist Collet & CO, would you agree that's a good idea? Do you know if HMRC would be likely to take my pension for this, assuming it is genuine? Thank you again for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DIG85 Posted September 21, 2022 Share Posted September 21, 2022 (edited) 12 minutes ago, djsle said: Thank you for your prompt reply. I'm afraid that after 8 years I have no documentation actually proving that I ceased trading. It is simply HMRC's word against mine. The letter appears genuine and not fraudulent. I have requested a call from the forums tax specialist Collet & CO, would you agree that's a good idea? Do you know if HMRC would be likely to take my pension for this, assuming it is genuine? Thank you again for your help. Yes, phone Collet & Co. Surely you can obtain bank statements showing that your business-related income and expenditure ceased around 2014. Ask HMRC the basis for their belief that you traded after 2014. I think it is unlikely HMRC would take your pension, and they would need proof that you have undeclared income. They can't just take money out of your account willy-nilly. Edited September 21, 2022 by DIG85 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsle Posted September 21, 2022 Author Share Posted September 21, 2022 Thanks again, great information. Not sure about bank statements from so far back, something to look into though. I'll see what Collet & Co has to say. Thanks, again. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip1 Posted September 21, 2022 Share Posted September 21, 2022 18 minutes ago, djsle said: Thanks again, great information. Not sure about bank statements from so far back, something to look into though. I'll see what Collet & Co has to say. Thanks, again. Your bank will be able to provide you with statements going back that far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsle Posted September 21, 2022 Author Share Posted September 21, 2022 All I have to do now is remember who I banked with! The memory is not so good now. But thanks all the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted September 23, 2022 Share Posted September 23, 2022 On 22/09/2022 at 09:04, djsle said: Thanks again, great information. Not sure about bank statements from so far back, something to look into though. I'll see what Collet & Co has to say. Thanks, again. Feel able to ping an email to me at my bdhtax.com email address below. I have a phone number for HMRC for you to call - I've given this number to people in similar situations in the past. As a result of calling this number HMRC has closed the file and waived the late filing penalties. Best regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted September 23, 2022 Share Posted September 23, 2022 Update: I can see your completed enquiry form. I'll send an email to you now. Best regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsle Posted September 23, 2022 Author Share Posted September 23, 2022 Thank you, received email and replied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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