For the first time I had an unusual payment to make on my tax return , rather than just the normal PAYE adjustment by a few pounds.
I exercised some share options that meant I owed 5,000 tax. I filled in the return (showing 5,000 owed) and in January the taxman sent me a bill for
10,000 and the appropriate payment slip. I phoned them up to query and was told that it was "on account" - they presume I will make this again next year which is not the case. The chap I spoke advised that I should reply back, have the bill adjusted, which I did. The new demand arrived in March, and I paid the next day. Then a week later I got a surcharge for not paying the first amount. I appealled by sending in an enclosed form, lost (because I should have "just sent a cheque for 5,000").I have the right of further appeal, but do I have any chance of winning? Are they at all liable for the advice they gave me on their helpline when they told me to just send back the demand with a reason and I'll get a new bill - no mention of a 300 surcharge on top. Is there any particular tack or emphasis I should take in the appeal letter or just send in the dates and facts? Are the helpline recordings kept and can they refer to them to back up my story?
Cheers!