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Now, some people consider that HMRC are rip-off merchant at the best of times.
I had to complete 2 SA tax returns in April, for 12-13 and 13/14.
I was in hospital at the time but nevertheless, got them sent off, with proof of posting: a tracking number and a signature copied from the on-line entry showing date and time signed for.
Now, I got a bill in July for £200. No mention of what it was for.
![](//i52.photobucket.com/albums/g9/securespark/e4bdb51f-4674-4bab-94fb-c2868b4b35b7_zpsqpnru8wn.jpg)
I assumed it was for tax owed.
So today I got two letters from HMRC, SA302's (tax calculation letters, one for each tax year).
One said I owed them money, the other said I had a rebate due. Balancing them out, I owe HMRC £80.
But there was no mention of the £200 paid.
So I rang up (be prepared for a long wait - mine was 79 minutes).
It turns out the £200 I paid was for penalties because I returned my TR's late.
So now I have to go through the rigmarole of copying stuff and sending a letter (signed for....) so I can "appeal" a payment that should never have been taken.
Never mind any interest or compensation for my time.
This is the rip-off, though: read the last para of the letter:
![](//i52.photobucket.com/albums/g9/securespark/8cf6c7da-b5c8-431b-91ad-b47422ebad92_zpspp9blbj5.jpg)
I had to complete 2 SA tax returns in April, for 12-13 and 13/14.
I was in hospital at the time but nevertheless, got them sent off, with proof of posting: a tracking number and a signature copied from the on-line entry showing date and time signed for.
Now, I got a bill in July for £200. No mention of what it was for.
![](http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g9/securespark/e4bdb51f-4674-4bab-94fb-c2868b4b35b7_zpsqpnru8wn.jpg)
I assumed it was for tax owed.
So today I got two letters from HMRC, SA302's (tax calculation letters, one for each tax year).
One said I owed them money, the other said I had a rebate due. Balancing them out, I owe HMRC £80.
But there was no mention of the £200 paid.
So I rang up (be prepared for a long wait - mine was 79 minutes).
It turns out the £200 I paid was for penalties because I returned my TR's late.
So now I have to go through the rigmarole of copying stuff and sending a letter (signed for....) so I can "appeal" a payment that should never have been taken.
Never mind any interest or compensation for my time.
This is the rip-off, though: read the last para of the letter:
![](http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g9/securespark/8cf6c7da-b5c8-431b-91ad-b47422ebad92_zpspp9blbj5.jpg)