HMRC hit by 2,000 complaints over 'inappropriate' letters

clock •

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has received around 2,000 complaints about the threatening tone of its letters to taxpayers since 2009.

The Revenue said it received the complaints in response to around 17 million letters sent out since 2009 to recover tax debt. The figures emerged in the government's response to the Treasury Select Committee's (TSC) latest report into HMRC's effectiveness. The TSC said the threatening tone of these letters was not appropriate for some taxpayers, and complained some were even sent to people who did not owe money. Letters alluded to vague "potential consequences" of non-payment and suggested the bill must be paid immediately, the TSC said. "Such language is appropriate only where ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax Planning

More than half of UK wants inheritance tax scrapped

More than half of UK wants inheritance tax scrapped

YouGov poll

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 05 October 2026 • 1 min read
A 'mainstream' planning issue: IHT receipts hit £3.2bn

A 'mainstream' planning issue: IHT receipts hit £3.2bn

Up by £100m on last year

Isabel Baxter
clock 21 August 2026 • 4 min read
Transact launches flexible reversionary trust ahead of 2027 IHT changes

Transact launches flexible reversionary trust ahead of 2027 IHT changes

Strengthening onshore and offshore bond offering

Isabel Baxter
clock 11 June 2026 • 2 min read