Terrified of HMRC

[Cauliflowersoup]

I did something really stupid years ago and omitted to tell HMRC that I was emigrating to Australia. My NI number now seems to be linked to my married name which I don't have any ID, under so I can't register for an online account and I can't access my old online account under my maiden name.

I am absolutely terrified of being fined for not submitting a tax return. I also accessed some money from a personal pension which had the tax withdrawn before they paid me.

Should I just be honest or will they start digging around in my account and decide I owe them loads of money. We're not talking large amounts, probably less than 20000 quid over the years, I haven't worked in the UK for 17 years.

That is a pretty massive omission, OP.

Yes, I know it was incredibly stupid of me and it is causing me massive amounts of anxiety. I just don't know whether to let sleeping dogs lie and the British taxpayer can have all my unclaimed tax or whether I should get in touch with them.

I don’t think it’s a massive issue, there’s not going to be some kind of investigation.
Ring them and explain the situation. Say you emigrated ~17 years ago.
Mention the pension withdrawal and that tax was deducted.
Ask whether HMRC believes you were required to file returns. It’s a small amount and years ago.

Did you have any other income from uk eg rental income? If not then it is very straightforward.
Just contact them and advise” I emigrated 17 years ago and have been non resident ever since. I just wanted to ensure my records correctly reflect this.”

I did have some rental income for a year. The tax was paid on that as well in my married name.

I’m not sure why you think you owe them money then?
Not exactly sure what the problem is?

I'd suggest you consult a tax specialist from a decent accountants for advice if you can afford it.

HMRC are interested in loss of tax. Seems like you have paid anything that was due.