Tax office says 'phone back in 2 weeks'

[Grinder]

I just phoned my tax office because my tax code is wrong - they are collecting excess of higher-rate tax via my tax code for dividends I received in prior years.

But since I am no longer a higher-rate tax payer - year 08-09 - I wanted this removed.

Their response was that they're having their systems upgraded and could I phone back in 2 weeks because they wont be able to amend anything until then

[expat]

I just phoned my tax office because my tax code is wrong - they are collecting excess of higher-rate tax via my tax code for dividends I received in prior years.

But since I am no longer a higher-rate tax payer - year 08-09 - I wanted this removed.

Their response was that they're having their systems upgraded and could I phone back in 2 weeks because they wont be able to amend anything until then

When was the last time you got to bring the systems down for 2 weeks for an upgrade in your field?

And no backup plan for the simplest thing? Couldn't they just tell you to use a new code, and note it for later. As my OH says: "Forget computer that says no, take pen in hand, approach piece of paper...".

[Churchill]

HMRC are bastards!

[Emigre]

I just phoned my tax office because my tax code is wrong - they are collecting excess of higher-rate tax via my tax code for dividends I received in prior years.

But since I am no longer a higher-rate tax payer - year 08-09 - I wanted this removed.

Their response was that they're having their systems upgraded and could I phone back in 2 weeks because they wont be able to amend anything until then

Ask for a copy of that advice in writing. Pure confirmation that dealings with HMRC are a one-way street. One day late on a return and its a penalty but they couldn't give a toss about the taxpayer when it involves them doing something.