HMRC Late Reminder Fee - Never needed to file HELP?

[HelpHMRC]

Just received a letter through the door saying HMRC are owed money for DH not filing a self assessment? He doesn't fit any of the criteria to complete a self assessment never had to do it before and obviously they are not open now so I was wondering if anyone could help shed light on what the fuck is going on?

This is is the first letter he's received and even more frustratingly the date for the payment has been and gone.

Any help would be very much appreciated as he's now very stressed and worried about what's going on more so because he can't talk to anyone until Monday.

I used to have to call them a lot. If he phones on Monday then they will look to see if he should have filed a tax return. If there was no need to then the penalties will be cancelled.
if he did then more penalties and interest will start accruing from I think end of May at £10 per day up to £900.
They are helpful once you get through.

Does he earn over £50k so has to pay back child benefit?

Make sure everything is followed up in writing because they are great at saying they have fixed something on their end whilst on the phone and then it turns up that they didn't.

My guess would be high income child benefit. It catches out a lot of people, apparently.

I'm sure they will explain if you call them.

Thanks for the answers so far. He doesn't fit any criteria at all and we could only wish that he was earning over 50K.

Will definitely make sure he gets it in writing when he speaks to someone, did you do this via email or letter?

It can't be that, he's on less than 35k a year.

It may well be an attempt at fraud. Call them on Monday using the official number in their website, not any information on the letter. They are very helpful normally (and nice!!) so will be able to explain the reasons why he has received it if it’s legitimate.

If he receives any income at all other than a salary which goes through PAYE, then he is required to complete a tax return though. It is his responsibility and not having received a letter previously is not an allowable excuse for not having done one. This includes dividends, interest on savings, income from properties, cash in hand, selling things online, plus amounts of money that are subject to capital gains tax e.g. selling stocks and shares, flipping properties, etc. Also does he receive any benefits through his work like company car or private healthcare?

If he literally has no other income than a wage then it’s a mistake and he shouldn’t worry.

If he literally has no other income than a wage then it’s a mistake and he shouldn’t worry.

Nothing at all which is why he was so surprised to get the letter. It does look genuine but he will of course call the official number when he rings on Monday. We literally can't think of any reason at all why he'd receive it hence starting the thread because Monday feels like a long way away.

Please don't worry, HMRC make errors with things like this all the time. Get him to call at 8am Monday morning and I'm sure they will shut down his account and remove the fine

Thanks I keep telling him not to panic and it's clearly an error but he's a natural born worrier and as any natural born worrier will tell you the worst thing you can say to them is don't worry. 😅I think he's more flustered as the date for payment listed on the letter has passed so he thinks there will be additional fees added.

Am guessing they will be mega busy on Monday morning so he should anticipate a heck of a wait?