Credit Solutions Direct and HMRC

[Cazziebo]

I was getting some phone calls/texts from an unknown number in November 2013, and then a letter from Credit Solutions Direct saying they were collecting a tax overpayment on HMRC's behalf from 2006. The amount £126.

 

Just before Christmas (20th Dec) I had a letter from them saying they were going to court unless I paid the money within 2 weeks.

 

Now, I have no idea what happened with Tax Credits - I claimed for about 3 years and it was always a mess. I got several letters saying I'd been underpaid/overpaid and found dealing with them a nightmare. At one point I was told there were two files for me so it looked like an admin error. I was also told I didn't owe them anything. Then got a demand for overpayment for about £300. I filled in an appeal form and have never heard anything since. I haven't claimed anything since 2006 even although I didn't qualify for it. Too much aggro for about £40 per month! My daughter is now 20.

 

So I have no idea if I owe them or not. I looked on here for advice, and the advice seemed to be ignore it. My circumstances have changed significantly in that for the past three years I've been self employed, and hardly worked since October last year due to a medical issue. As a result funds were low (and at the time of the letter I had maxxed my overdraft). I've just had an invoice paid so could pay the £126 to get them off my back. (still getting calls and texts and possibly a court letter ) .

 

What should I do? I really don't know if I owe this or not, I can't bear the thought of phoning HMRC again, and this seems a lot of harassment over a two month period after years of silence.

 

P.S. As someone who campaigns vocally about tax avoidance, I do pay my full requirement of corporation and personal tax.

[fkofilee]

No no no no never pay a DCA for a tax debt !

Simple... Speak to HMRC again and discuss with them

 

Easy... Always Ignore the DCA as tax debts are a little different to deal with,

[Cazziebo]

What about the letter from CSL threatening court action? Can that be ignored?

 

Why suddenly in touch after so long?