rant Tax office - how stupid can you be?

[DaveK]

I got a notice today saying that my tax code was being reduced - which came as a bit of a surprise.

 

I get two taxable benefits from work - private medical insurance and a fuel card. Both are on my P11D, and entered onto my tax return. No problem there - the total for them both was on my tax coding notice as a taxable benefit and I understand I pay tax on them - happens every year.

 

The problem I had, was that there were two other entries on there - "employers benefits" and "medical insurance".

 

The muppets at the tax office have copied my fuel and medical insurance figures from my 07/08 tax return AND applied the (correct) figures from my 08/09 tax return for the same benefits - and then reduced my tax code by the total amount. I am basically being taxed twice for the same benefits!

 

The really scary thing is the girl who answered the phone at the tax office really couldn't understand it. She said "well, of course we copied them from 07/08 - we do that unless your employer tells us they've stopped those benefits". They haven't stopped you stupid girl - THAT'S WHY I INCLUDED THE CORRECT VALUES FOR THEM ON MY TAX RETURN!

 

I've now had to write a letter - something along the lines of "2+2 = 4" and include a copy of my P11D (which they say they don't have despite the fact that I know my employer sends it every year).

 

Idiots.