Many taxpayers have complaints about the services provided by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK. If you have also faced issues with their services, you can write a complaint letter to bring your concerns to their attention. In this article, we have created a guide on writing an HMRC complaint letter example along with six samples and some tips to help you get started.
Examples of HMRC Complaint Letter
Delayed Response from HMRC
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my concern over the delayed response to my previous correspondence. I had sent you a letter regarding my tax refund, and it has been over two months since I received any update from your team. This delay has caused me inconvenience and frustration, which is unacceptable considering your responsibility to provide timely services to taxpayers.
I urge you to investigate this matter and provide me with an update as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Incorrect Tax Calculation
Dear HMRC,
I am writing to raise a complaint about the calculation of my taxes. Upon reviewing my tax statement, I noticed that there was a significant error in the calculation, which has resulted in me paying more than what I owe to the government. I have cross-checked the numbers, and I am confident that this mistake is not on my end.
I request you to review my tax statement and rectify this error as soon as possible. I would appreciate prompt action on this matter.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Unprofessional Behaviour of HMRC Staff
Dear HMRC Manager,
I am writing to complain about the unprofessional behavior of one of your employees, [Employee Name]. I had contacted your team regarding an issue with my tax returns, and Ms. [Employee Name] was extremely unhelpful and dismissive of my concerns. She spoke to me in a rude and condescending tone, which made me feel disrespected and frustrated.
I demand that you take appropriate action against Ms. [Employee Name] and ensure that such behavior does not occur again in the future. As a taxpayer, I expect to be treated with respect and professionalism when dealing with the HMRC.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Undue Penalty Charges
Dear HMRC,
I am writing to raise a complaint about the penalty charges levied on me due to a delay in filing my tax returns. I believe that these charges are unfair and unjustified as the delay was caused due to an unforeseen personal situation, which prevented me from completing my returns on time.
I request you to review my case and waive off the penalty charges as they are causing me undue financial burden. I assure you that I will make every effort to file my returns on time in the future.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Incorrect Tax Code
Dear HMRC,
I am writing to raise a complaint about the incorrect tax code that has been applied to my salary by your team. As per my understanding, my tax code should be [Insert Tax Code], but my recent payslip shows a different code, resulting in higher tax deductions from my earnings.
I urge you to rectify this mistake and ensure that the correct tax code is applied to my future payments. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Incorrect National Insurance Contributions
Dear HMRC,
I am writing to complain about the incorrect National Insurance contribution deductions from my salary. As per my understanding, my contributions should be [Insert Percentage], but my recent payslip shows a different amount, resulting in lower contributions towards my social security benefits.
I request you to rectify this mistake and ensure that the correct contribution percentage is applied to my future payments. I would appreciate your prompt action on this matter.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an HMRC Complaint Letter Example
Be Clear and Concise
Make sure your letter is clear and concise, and it gets straight to the point. State the purpose of your letter in the opening sentence, and use simple language to explain your concerns. Avoid being too emotional or aggressive in your tone, as it can undermine the credibility of your complaint.
Provide Relevant Details
Make sure to provide all relevant details, such as your tax reference number, the date of the incident, and the names of the HMRC officials involved. This information can help the HMRC team identify and address your concerns more effectively.
Include Supporting Documents
If you have any supporting documents, such as receipts, correspondence, or invoices, attach them to your complaint letter. This can help provide evidence to support your claims and strengthen your case.
Be Polite and Professional
While it is essential to express your concerns, it is equally important to do it professionally and politely. Avoid being rude, threatening or abusive in your tone, as it can make the HMRC team defensive and uncooperative. Instead, adopt a respectful and courteous tone, and provide constructive feedback to help improve their services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I send an HMRC complaint letter via email?
A: Yes, you can send your complaint letter via email to the HMRC complaint handling team. However, make sure to use the correct email address and format your letter appropriately.
Q: How long does it take for the HMRC to respond to a complaint letter?
A: The HMRC aims to respond to complaints within 15 working days. However, in some cases, it may take longer, depending on the complexity of the issue and the volume of complaints they receive.
Q: Can I appeal against the HMRC’s decision on my complaint?
A: Yes, you can appeal against the HMRC’s decision on your complaint. If you are not satisfied with their response, you can escalate your complain to the Independent Adjudicator for HM Revenue and Customs or seek legal advice.
Q: Can I get compensation for the inconvenience caused by the HMRC’s error?
A: Yes, you may be eligible for compensation if the HMRC’s mistake has caused you financial loss or inconvenience. However, the compensation amount depends on the severity of the error and the impact it has had on you.
Q: Do I need to pay for a solicitor to write my HMRC complaint letter?
A: No, you do not need to hire a solicitor to write your HMRC complaint letter. You can write the letter yourself, or you can seek help from a free legal advice service, such as Citizens Advice Bureau.
Q: Can I write an anonymous complaint letter to the HMRC?
A: No, the HMRC does not accept anonymous complaints. You must provide your name and contact details when submitting your complaint, as they need to verify your identity and follow up on your concerns.
Q: Can I write a complaint letter to the HMRC on behalf of someone else?
A: Yes, you can write a complaint letter to the HMRC on behalf of someone else, such as a family member or a friend. However, you must provide their consent and include their contact details in the letter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing an HMRC complaint letter can be a useful way to bring your concerns to their attention and seek resolution for the issues you have faced. By using the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create an informative and effective complaint letter that can help improve the quality of services provided by the HMRC.