We seem to get emails from HMRC notifying us to log in and see tax code notices at seemingly random intervals. Sometimes we have new notices, but 2/3 times we don't.
We also are outsourced payroll agents for some small companies although we do not have on-line access to their P9 notices.
Could it be we are receiving the extra emails as agents even though we do not have access to the notices? Or are HMRC just spinning an electronic bottle to decide if they should send us a notice?
Same here Mark. I think they call it joined-up government.
I actually prefer to receive them on paper but still get emails and somone pointed out in a recent thread that electronic notices weren't being found so it sounds like paper is safer too.
I figured a piece of paper serves as it's own memo and if they keep sending spurious emails then human nature makes them more likely to be ignored. Anyway, if we're sending real time information, why can't they double check the authorised notice isn't being used? It's their code number!
I think you'll find the notices are a bit all over the place at the moment. Refer to my last thread. I was advised by the HMRC that 'they dont want to overload the system with electronic notices - so they are spreading them out' For instance - an employee received his paper copy in Jan - I questioned why Ive not had an electronic copy as their agent - after many hours of getting nowhere - Ive now recevied 4 emails for this 1 notice!! and its only now been available to view on line.
mmm...
Im really hoping as Tim has said, that RTI will enable them to check we are receiving them correctly.
Hi Claire, re. real time code checking and inaccuracy penalties.
These are a bit whatsit in the wind if HMRC don't check the prescribed tax code is being used. The corralory of this is that any questionable code notices should flagged and queried immediately at HMRC. Not easy if you don't get them for 8 weeks!
This leads on to a couple of precautions.
All code queries to HMRC must be in writing (preferably direct email - not a difficult to save structured online form). Employees asked in writing to always send in a copy of their code notices to the payroll office straight away.
If the penalty system does not allow some flexibility and margin of error then it will end up costing the country a fortune in compliance.
Mark, you have just lost 20 hours a year due to RTI
I think I've worked out the pattern, HMRC send me an email 17-18 days after the issue of a tax code notice, as this should be an entirely automatic action I can only assume that their send/receive button has a fault!
Tim- pretty sure if I can get away with just 20 hours a year I'll be lucky!
Aaaaand, three simultaneous emails with no matching actual notices blow that theory out of the water. HMRC P9 notice emails are just sent out using Heisenburg's uncertainly principal. You know that at some point in the past or future there will be/has been a P9 but it is not possible to predict where or when.
May just buy a cat and a box and use that to predict tax codes for next year.
