HMRC warns UK households 'call us' and says 'you need to check'

HMRC has warned taxpayers to "call us" over a pensions payment - with UK households warned: "You need to check". The government tax agency and department, now operating under the Labour Party, spoke out to taxpayers via its customer service Twitter/X channel.

"How do I find out if a letter I have sent to HMRC has been received? It is a letter asking someone to look into income I have not received for which there is an estimated income tax bill of £124,062," the taxpayer asked.

"Hi Hazel, Is this estimated income for the current 24 25 tax year? Steve" HMRC asked. "It comes under ‘Employments that have ended since 5 April 2024," the taxpayer then replied, with HMRC saying: "Is this an employment that you recognise? Steve."

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"No, I have not worked since 2017. I contacted HMRC by phone with no success then contacted the company who ‘paid me’ and they have no record of me so I wrote to HMRC to ask them to investigate but have not heard anything," the taxpayer said.

The taxpayer added: "I have never worked for them. I did receive an inheritance from my deceased uncle and that came from that company but that was dealt with in 2022-2023 and I paid the tax on that amount. This could be where the confusion lies. I am getting extremely anxious."

It came after HMRC asked: "OK, is this an old employer that you used to have? Do you have anything listed as a current employer or pension? Steve" The taxpayer said: "No, I have not worked since 2017, not eligible for pension yet. Someone has received a payment of £305,995 showing on my Gateway and has not paid the tax of £124,062. I think I will call HMRC and ask for advice again."

"Yes, if it's showing that you've actually received a payment, that needs to be checked, if it was just an estimated income, then there wouldn't be any financial impact on you. Call 0300 200 3300, Steve," HMRC went on to ask.