Has your registered charity received a letter from HMRC notifying you of a tax determination of thousands of pounds for a historic period? Don’t worry, you’re not alone and it is more than likely that the letter has been sent in error. You might be one of an increasing number of charities that we have seen getting these letters despite previously being charitably exempt and we have already worked with many of our clients to resolve this issue without any tax or penalties needing to be paid.

If this sounds like a letter you’ve received, do contact the HMRC charities helpline on 0300 123 1073 to explain the issue, highlight your charitable status and that you had not previously received a notification. Where we are your agent for corporation tax, we can call on your behalf. The HMRC officer will then direct you further, but you may still be required to submit the return. If so, we can prepare and submit this for you or guide you on how to submit the return online, where this is available. After any outstanding returns are submitted, the liability and penalties should then be cleared down.

Looking for help? Contact a member of the Sayer Vincent team now or alternatively email Jon Williamson (jon.williamson@sayervincent.co.uk) and he will be able to help you with this issue directly.