Received a Letter from HMRC? Here Is What to Do

A brown envelope from HMRC can be worrying, and many people leave letters unopened because they are not sure what they mean. The good news is that most HMRC letters are routine, and the sooner you deal with them, the easier they are to sort out.

1. Check it is genuine

Scammers often pretend to be HMRC. HMRC will never ask for your bank details, passwords or PIN by email or text, and will not threaten immediate arrest. If a message asks you to click a link to claim a refund or pay urgently, do not respond. Genuine letters will include your reference numbers and can be checked through your HMRC online account or by calling HMRC using the number on GOV.UK.

2. Work out what type of letter it is

• Tax calculation (P800) – explains whether you paid too much or too little tax through PAYE.
• Simple Assessment – a bill for tax HMRC says you owe, which you can query if you think it is wrong.
• Notice to file a return – HMRC wants you to complete a self-assessment tax return.
• Penalty notice – a charge for a late return or late payment, which may be appealed if you had a reasonable excuse.

3. Note the deadline

Most letters give you a date to reply, pay or appeal – often 30 days. Write it down. Even if you cannot pay in full, contacting HMRC before the deadline usually gives you more options, such as a payment plan.

4. Bring it to the clinic

If you are unsure what a letter means, bring it to Bolton Community Tax Clinic. A volunteer adviser will go through it with you, explain your options and help you write a reply if needed.