It looks as though MPs and Judges aren’t the only ones unhappy with HMRC’s conduct of late. One angry freelancer lets the taxman have it!
If you would like to have your rant published anonymously here, email RantBot@freelanceadvisor.co.uk.
Dear Freelance Advisor,
I am a career freelancer, and have been working in IT for the best part of twenty years. I did an accounting O-Level (yes, I’m that old) back in the day so know my way around a P&L. I’m one of those terrible bores who does their own accounts and sends it all off themselves at the end of the year. I could probably be a bit more tax-efficient if I kept on top of the latest legislation, but I do fine without an accountant.
The only reason I have considered employing an accountant in the last twenty years is so that they can deal with HMRC for me. I did a rough calculation last year and think I’ve spent around ten days on hold to HMRC since I started freelancing – ten days! If that was billable time I’m be a few grand richer!
I know everybody bad-mouths HMRC these days, but I think it’s perfectly justified. The hold times are getting worse, the call centre staff less helpful and the tax rules for small businesses are completely labyrinthine these days. As for HMRC’s proposal to outsource their call centres, well, if that happens I’m definitely moving abroad.
I sincerely hope they are able to improve or I’m very tempted to hop on a train down to London and piss in their foyer.
Yours,
Hacked off of Nottingham
