HMRC self assessment pain

[Karakandchipattis]

Just ranting mainly.

I have just got a late penalty notice for my self assessment. I can appeal this online.

Except I can't because the reason I haven't filed yet is because they deleted the account I have been using for the last four years. No one knows why they deleted it.

Back before the deadline there was a simple solution - they were sendinv a new User ID. Except they didn't. I have now spoken to them 5 times. They are sending it out for the third time now.

Seems likely I have grounds to appeal as they deleted my account and they haven't managed to send a new userIF. Except the penalty notice is under the old userID so I think I will never be able to file online.

I can send a postal appeal. This is going to cost me quite a bit because I'm not in the UK and so have to courier it.

I do not actually owe any tax. Not even close.

Ok rant over. Luckily I can't scream at a person at HMRC because they just throw you off the phone line after 10 mins saying 'look online, we're too busy'.

Every time I have to deal with them on self assessment matters they screw up something. An awful organisation.

I deal with them every day with my work/business. They truly are an awful organisation. Just when you think they can't get any worse, they surprise you and do just that. It's chaos from the top down. Even their own official website contains well known factual errors that they can't or won't correct.

Apart from the fact that they can't seem to sort the issue (!), the online support team have been lovely people. The only time I've managed to get through to the main support line the attitude was horrific - I was basically accused of lying and they just told me to wait which was completely the wrong advice.