No News from HMRC? Check this
That deafening silence from HMRC can feel both comforting and nerve-wracking. While no news might seem like good news, understanding what HMRC's quiet periods actually mean is essential for managing your tax affairs properly.
Certain types of silence have legal implications that could significantly impact your tax position. Others are simply part of HMRC's normal processing time. Knowing when to sit tight and when to pick up the phone can save you from unexpected tax headaches down the line.
Our Pie tax dashboard tracks all your HMRC correspondence status in real-time, so you'll never be left guessing about silence. Or if you're just here to get to grips with it all, let's break it down!
What does silence from HMRC actually mean?
Contrary to popular belief, silence from HMRC doesn't automatically mean they've accepted your tax position. Nor does it mean they've forgotten about you.
HMRC has up to 12 months from the filing deadline to open an enquiry into your tax return. During this period, silence is completely normal and doesn't indicate approval.
For some tax matters, HMRC's investigation window extends much further. This can be up to 4 years for honest mistakes, 6 years for careless errors, and 20 years for deliberate tax evasion.
Different HMRC departments work to different timescales. VAT repayments typically take 30 days, while self-assessment refunds might take 8-10 weeks. The legal concept of "tacit acceptance" rarely applies to HMRC matters. They can often revisit issues even after long periods of silence.
When should you worry about HMRC silence?
Not all silence is created equal. After submitting your tax return, silence for several months is perfectly normal and expected.
However, if you've been waiting for a tax refund for more than 10 weeks, it might be time to follow up. I once waited 14 weeks for a siseable refund, only to discover my case had been flagged for review but never assigned to an officer.
If HMRC has specifically requested information from you and then gone quiet after you've provided it, a gentle nudge after 3-4 weeks is reasonable.
Silence following a compliance check or tax investigation can be more concerning. This is especially true if HMRC indicated they would be in touch by a certain date. If you've received an automated acknowledgment but no human response after 4-6 weeks, it's worth checking. Your correspondence may have fallen through the cracks.
Time limits you should know about
The 12-month enquiry window for tax returns is perhaps the most important timeline to understand. During this period, HMRC can open a formal investigation without giving specific reasons.
HMRC should respond to formal complaints within 30 days. In practice, this target isn't always achieved. For VAT repayments, HMRC aims to process these within 45 days. If they haven't, you may be entitled to repayment interest.
Tax assessments can generally be amended up to 4 years after the end of the tax year in question. This applies even if HMRC has been silent until then. The discovery assessment rules mean HMRC can sometimes go back much further. This can be up to 20 years in cases of deliberate tax evasion.
How to properly follow up on HMRC silence
Always be polite and professional when chasing HMRC. Remember, they're processing millions of taxpayers' affairs simultaneously.
Quote your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and any case or reference numbers in all communications. This helps HMRC locate your records quickly. Keep detailed records of all previous correspondence. Include dates, times, and the names of any HMRC officers you've spoken with.
Use HMRC's preferred contact method for the specific tax issue. This might be the self-assessment helpline, the VAT helpline, or a specific officer's direct number. If repeated attempts to get a response fail, consider using HMRC's formal complaints procedure. This can sometimes escalate matters effectively.
Legal implications of HMRC silence
Silence from HMRC doesn't constitute a binding ruling or clearance on your tax affairs. They can still come back to you later, even if they initially said nothing.
The concept of "legitimate expectation" rarely applies based on HMRC silence alone. You typically need written confirmation to rely on a particular tax position. Statutory deadlines still apply regardless of HMRC's communication (or lack thereof). You must still file your tax return on time even if HMRC hasn't responded to a query.
If you're concerned about serious tax issues, seeking professional tax advice during periods of HMRC silence is often wise. Remember that HMRC's silence might simply mean your case is in a queue or has been deemed low-risk. It doesn't mean they've accepted your position.
Final Thoughts
HMRC silence can be perfectly normal or a cause for concern depending on context. Understanding the relevant time limits for your specific tax matter is key to interpreting what silence actually means.
When in doubt, a polite follow-up with clear reference to your case details is always better than assuming the taxman has forgotten about you. Professional tax advice can be invaluable during extended periods of HMRC silence. This is especially true for complex matters where significant tax may be at stake.
Pie tax: Simplifying HMRC Communication Tracking
Waiting for HMRC to respond shouldn't leave you feeling anxious or forgotten. The UK's first personal tax app, Pie tax, offers a straightforward dashboard that tracks all your HMRC correspondence in one place.
Our system includes clear status indicators showing when responses are overdue. Smart notifications alert you when typical HMRC response times have been exceeded.
We help you understand which silence is normal and which might need your attention. Our tax experts are on hand to advise on next steps if HMRC stays quiet too long. Curious about how we can help? Take a peek at the Pie tax app to see how we make tax correspondence crystal clear.
