Common HMRC letters and what to do about them

Receiving a letter from HMRC can be unsettling, even when everything is in order. The key is not to ignore it, but also not to panic. Many letters are routine and can be dealt with calmly and methodically.

Some common types of HMRC letters for individuals include:

• Notices to file a tax return – telling you that HMRC expects a Self Assessment return for a given year.

• Statements of account – summarising what HMRC believes you owe or are owed.

• Reminders – about upcoming deadlines or overdue returns/payments.

• Compliance checks or enquiries – asking for more information about figures on your return.

The first step is always to read the letter carefully and note:

• Which tax year it refers to,

• What information HMRC is asking for, and

• Any deadlines or dates mentioned.

If the letter is a simple reminder or statement, it may just be confirming facts you already know, such as an upcoming payment. If it’s asking for information or starting a check, it’s important to respond within the timeframe set out, even if it’s just to ask for more time.

What you should avoid is guessing or sending incomplete information. If you’re unsure how to respond, it’s wise to seek professional advice before replying. A calm, clear response, backed by good records, often resolves matters more quickly and with less stress.

We regularly:

• Review HMRC letters for clients,

• Explain in plain English what they mean, and

• Draft appropriate responses or handle the correspondence directly as authorised agents.

The sooner you share a letter with us, the more options we usually have to resolve any issues smoothly.