Taxpayer was victim of HMRC cock-up

Michael Griffiths (TC06697) was the victim of a PAYE foul-up by HMRC which resulted in his being served with a notice to file a self assessment tax return for 2013/14. HMRC’s PAYE computer issued Griffiths with a tax calculation on 31 May 2014. Unfortunately, it only took into account one of his two employments and generated an overpayment of £579.80. A payable order was issued on 1 June, which he received on 3 June and duly banked. Meanwhile, on 2 June, the computer issued a revised calculation which took account of all his income. Griffiths had, in fact, underpaid tax by 80p for the tax year (which would have been simple either to code out or to discharge). However, because of the payable order issue one day earlier the consequence was an “underpayment” of £581.60 .Story