HMRC turnaround for paper self assessment?

[Spindelina]

Anyone got any suggestions?

Submitted three returns (DH - expecting a bill, me - expecting a refund, and our partnership) on paper in May. I have proof of delivery.

Haven't heard anything back. Should I chase? If so, how? Just rang and got told by an automated message that I'd need to wait 35 mins.

(We both have stuff on our returns that means we can't just use the HMRC website to do them.)

No idea.
TBH if your returns are that complicated you'd have been better getting one of the basic softwares so you could file on line : its still not too late to do so

that's odd - when I did paper ones (you have to if you are an expat) they were turned round in a week at most. And my online one this year got the refund paid within 3 days, done last month.

so yes, you need to chase. If you are stuck with an expensive mobile, perhaps find someone with a landline and inclusive calls to 0300 numbers, or use skype call?

TP, they're not very complicated, but we both have income from a Trust. Could do the partnership one online, but if I'm sending off the other two, it seems easier to just do the third on paper.

It's not the cost so much as the dispiriting bother of hanging on the phone for ages only to be told I've rung the wrong number!

Will muster up the energy and ring again. If it's really hellish I'll buy software - any recommendations? Income from employment, partnership and trust. Really not complicated!

I have the bulk Agent version, but this is nice to use
www.taxcalc.com/individual

I've heard decent comments about this
www.absolutetax.co.uk/doing-your-own-return.html

are you signed up for the Gateway? If so you could log it and see if it shows the returns are having been processed, at least then you know that before you speak to them.

Yes, I think they should have been done by now. 6 weeks at the latest.

Did you call Self Assessment helpline? I find Sat morning a good time to ring

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/self-assessment

I got an activation code for SA on the gateway (am signed up for VAT), but I can't remember if I used it or let it expire when I realised that I couldn't find online (at least not without software). But good to know there's info there.

I'm off work tomorrow, so I'll try ringing as a first step. I'm assuming I'll need DH with me if they are going to discuss his personal return, but that I should be able to chase the other two. And yes, it was the self assessment helpline I rang this morning.

Paper filing hasn't normally been a problem, other than one getting lost in the post a few years back. Ho hum.

Well, I just rang them, which turned out to be much less painful than anticipated. They received all three in May and will get round to looking at them eventually, apparently.

Thanks for all your comments, anyhow.

They do seem to be hopeless at the moment, cut backs etc and just not enough staff. At least you know they have the returns now.