No return filed for 05 HMRC passed to DCA

[rainbowhunter]

Would appreciate any help or advice.

I left the UK in 04 but apparently the HMRC weren't informed until 05 and in my absence sent a tax form out.This was never eceived nor completed.
I have recently had a demand by them sending letters via a friend...great friend who never bothered to tell me that they were from HMRC.

They have started proceedings via a devt collection agency called fredricksons...I've alread read reports on these unfriendly,unhelpful and seems unpleasant lot.

Question is...I now owe £1740 and want to pay the bill,I have always paid my tax.Can I go directly back to the HMRC and ask for a payment plan of say 4 x £450 to clear the debt...
Is this feasible?

I really don't want to get involved with the collection agency..i have the details of the HMRC office and officer involved.

Thanks for looking and any advice in advance.

[pawncob]

I didn't think HMRC used DCAs ( and certainly not ones like Fredricksons!)

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/fo ... ss-details

You should always deal directly with HMRC. Do not accept any substitutes. Phone them and make an offer.

[mullet]

HMRC do use third party debt collectors, mainly for smaller debts. Rumour is that they are not very effective.