to think that expecting people to repay £1500 tax on average because of a computer tax blunder is unfair and ridiculous?

[arses]

I work in the NHS. I have worked in the same department since 2002. However, due to a crazy payroll system, I get three separate paychecks for the work that I do.

If a tax bill lands on my door on Tuesday for 'underpaying' tax - when, as far as I know, I have diligently paid my dues since beginning work, should I really be expected to repay the government when if I had made the mistake, I would also be expected to repay?

On maternity leave, I asked HR to find out what my salary would be in the event of a reduction of hours due to flexible working. They told me that with my separate contracts, it was 'too difficult a calculation' and they wouldn't be able to tell me my salary. But I should have known that I was being overpaid or was being underpaid?

And it won't even have a silver cloud like repaying the deficit, will it? Because if I am an underpayer in this equation, it will go into an overpayer's pocket?

oh crap just checked dhs ols tax code and its not that
I'm pretty sure the info I have is employment and pre self emplyment

deakall, to be fair, if there was a system of self-assessment the average joe would know it was something that had to be done and people like me who are weak mathematically would employ professionals to help as it would be the most cost-effective way of ensuring that it was properly done and/or enlist help from friends, relatives etc.

I had to have actual remedial help at maths when I was a kid e.g. I came under 'special needs' for maths, so it's not just about being lazy per se. I really struggle with mathematical concepts though I can handle 'functional maths', I struggle with this kind of thing. I have been known to shout at payroll about pay and be completely wrong because of my dodgy mathematical reasoning

We live in society together so I don't think it's unreasonable to assume that the people who are paid to do a job that is not my specialism should be doing it to a level that is beyond me. I don't expect to tell the doctor what medicine to prescribe me, or my office window cleaner what solution to use, or my IT person how to fix windows. I may be terribly naive but I didn't think that I needed an accountant, that my tax bill was one of the things I needed to be responsible about. I appreciate from reading this that it might have been foolish of me, but it never particularly occurred to me that I had to do anything about my tax at all.

Don't panic bronze.
He needs to ring up HMRC to find why, there could be a good reason and it need not be an error. If you want to know what this code means, go to HMRC website and look it up, it will tell you what it means and this may give you an idea as to whether or not it's right.

Arses, I see your point, I really do. I also appreciate those that are bad at maths would need help with this and there are various accountancy firms (in Canada to use my example where everybody has to self assess) who will do you tax return for you for a small sum (£20 or thereabouts).

I suppose if it's your tax bill, then the buck stops with you (you, me, all of us).

Hopefully there'll be no problem and for those that can demosntrate hardship as a result of this error, this will be taken into consideration.

Mad department so unsurprised.

My df went to the department when he returned to the UK. He'd got a letter saying he owed them oodles of money. He didn't think he did as he was out of the country for years. Turns up with the letter - they cannot find his details. They get flustered - all the other customers are waiting.

An hour on managers are all at various terminals in odd corners of the office and then pronounce - oh mr giveitagodf - we've finally found you - you do exist - oh so sorry (in shouty voice) we did not realise you were a spy and that's why we couldn't find you on the normal system.

He's not a spy - so that's what our government is like.

Be afraid - very afraid. If I'm one of those who has underpaid due to no fault of my own I do not intend to pay it back.

Something important to know!

According to the expert on Radio 4 this lunchtime, if you have overpaid your tax, you will get a letter through the post, and a cheque about a week later. You do not have to do anything.

If you get an email purporting to be from HMRC about an income tax rebate, do NOT answer it - IT IS A SCAM.

i dont think the money should have to be paid back. If the government cant work out how much tax to pay they shouldnt expect hardworking families to pay it back. Theyve already made us x amount poorer, taking money back that they didnt take in the first place, and its not like they have to ask to take it they had the opportunity.

I htink its disgusting to be honest and will fight it if they want any back from our family.

Well we are one of the unlucky ones, they found that since 2005 that we have been paying £250 less than we should have for 4yrs!

So p**sed off and it's my DH's birthday today.

Thank you taxman....NOT!

Oh no Ripeberry - that's just rubbish.

No brown envelopes have reached this household yet and I was so sure we'd have one I spoke to the post man himself!

Happy birthday your DH though.

YANBU - if DWP overpay you in error, they can request the money back, but can't compel you pay it - it's an official error overpayment, why should HMRC be different?

If HMRC can't prove that you didn't know that you were (under) paying, as STDG says, you should challenge this. If it is reasonable for you to have realised you were underpaying, then you should pay up.

I haven't had a notice of coding since 1986 - just check my payslip is showing the appropriate tax code and then keep my fingers crossed as I don't have time (or the software) to do a PAYE calc each month amd my paroll dept are about as much use as chocolate teapot.

This link might help those who want to check their tax www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/tax-right.htm

Martin Lewis was talking about this on tv today. Lots of info on his website. www.moneysavingexpert.com

Ripeberry -
DH is tax lawyer and says they cannot compel you to pay.

He explained why but my brain shut down, however what AMNMarina is saying sounds suspiciously familiar. Get legal advice before you hand over a penny.