HMRC Enquiries: Bedouin/Redstone

[thebear14]

HMRC originally asked for all documents to be returned by 12/1/15 however granted a month extension when I pointed out the reduced number of businesses days and potential delays/losses with the royal mail at this time of year. I now have all docs ready to be returned, do I do this ASAP or push it out to the 12/2/15 deadline I now have?

[willcom]

Any interest in forming a group?

I have been speaking to a tax lawyer today, who seems to think Redstone's argument that the commercial loans are non-taxable has no real basis. He thinks the best course of action is to form a group of about 20 people to get representation. The group might then be in a position to get a further extension, negotiate lower/no penalties and/or a favourable payment plan.

Any interest in forming/joining such a group? If so, send me a PM, so I can get an idea of numbers. I have posted a similar message on one other forum, using the same username. Please do not respond to both as we don't want to double-count.

By the way, I am quite concerned about some of the vague wording in the suggested response from Redstone and the lawyer warns that it could lead to more serious trouble as it could take one into the realms of concealment. I'm particularly concerned about point #2 of their suggested response. Does anyone have similar concerns, or has anyone received a response from the Revenue yet to the standard template?

[administrator]

PM rights granted.

[thebear14]

I would be open to joining a group in principle however as my liability is limited due to the short period I used the scheme I would unfortunately be loathe to spend money on formal representation that could be used to fulfill any settlement required. I do agree the standard response template is vague and Michelle booth did state this when it was provided, the tax consultant I spoke to agreed however in black and white terms did state the questions were being answered

[Junior23]

Hmrc letter

I have been speaking to a tax lawyer today, who seems to think Redstone's argument that the commercial loans are non-taxable has no real basis. He thinks the best course of action is to form a group of about 20 people to get representation. The group might then be in a position to get a further extension, negotiate lower/no penalties and/or a favourable payment plan.

Any interest in forming/joining such a group? If so, send me a PM, so I can get an idea of numbers. I have posted a similar message on one other forum, using the same username. Please do not respond to both as we don't want to double-count.

By the way, I am quite concerned about some of the vague wording in the suggested response from Redstone and the lawyer warns that it could lead to more serious trouble as it could take one into the realms of concealment. I'm particularly concerned about point #2 of their suggested response. Does anyone have similar concerns, or has anyone received a response from the Revenue yet to the standard template?

Hi wilcom, I've just received the same letter today.

Will speak to Bedouin tomorrow and see what they say.
I have also received an email from my accountants saying they are willing to represent and head up group to advise.
Are you speaking to the same person? David P?

[EBTContractor]

2012/13 enquiry

I too have received an enquiry into my self assessment for the 2012/13 tax year.

HMRC says "they believe I have received contractor loans".

Has anyone been told by HMRC why they are looking at this year? I received EBT loans a few tax years prior that HMRC are aware of. This is not an insignificant sum and I have appealed, pending outcome.

They go on to tell me to provide bank statements, details of the loans, provider etc.

Has anyone else received a similar letter 'fishing' for information?

Quite scary, to say the least.

Thanks!

[Wibble1]

2012 / 2013 enquiry

I too have received an enquiry into my self assessment for the 2012/13 tax year.

HMRC says "they believe I have received contractor loans".

Has anyone been told by HMRC why they are looking at this year? I received EBT loans a few tax years prior that HMRC are aware of. This is not an insignificant sum and I have appealed, pending outcome.

They go on to tell me to provide bank statements, details of the loans, provider etc.

Has anyone else received a similar letter 'fishing' for information?

Quite scary, to say the least.

Thanks!

Yep. I've received the same. I've already spoken with Michelle at Redstone about this and she confirmed there are others that have also received this. She provided a reply I used to get more time. I was given about 4 weeks up to Christmas to provide the information. She provided answers to the questions but also a letter I sent to HMRC stating that I'd received their letter requesting information but that due to the nature of the information requested it only seemed reasonable that I'd need longer to pull it all together and that I'd forward it once that was done.

Give Redstone a call and have a chat.

Separately...I responded to a post in the Edge EBT forum (http://forums.contractoruk.com/hmrc-...ml#post2024269). This was talking about possible funny business going on at Redstone with company name registration or something. On the back of that information I spoke with Michelle at Redstone and in the processes of Michelle and I missing each others calls, on 1 occasion when I called back the Redstone number was answered with a "hello, this is Bedouin. When I challenged Michelle about this she said that a shared reception service was used and hence the mix up. So are Bedouin and Redstone (who some think were previously Edge) the same thing? Was Redstone previously Edge? Whilst some working at Edge (at least Michelle) are now at Redstone its not clear if this was a migration of users from 1 provider to another when Edge closed down or is Redstone part of Bedouin and they genuinely are sharing services with Bedouin. The link between Edge and Redstone could be the reason I got the 2012/ 2013 COP 8 enquiry, or it could have been because I personally was already on their radar with EBT via Norla then Edge (the Redstone connection), or just that my return showed a very small income compared to previous years because the commercial arrangement means the Redstone loans are not declarable (just like a bank load in not). Maybe you are in the same boat.

Head up and keep fighting. We are in the right. They are wrong.

[PrtScn]

Received Documents and Particulars letter

Could I have PM rights so I can contact Wibble1 please?

As others above me have done. I sent out the stock "requesting additional time" letter. And have been granted an extension until 19th of Jan.

I got the standard answers from Redstone and with my bank statements and agreements intended to send off my details this week.

However I have been advised by a Tax Specialist that some of the responses given to us to send to HMRC are Redstone acting in their own best instances and covering themselves.
Aside from these observations the tax specialist doesn't want to get involved. All advise I've had so far has been free and they don't think it is in my best interest to engage them, as they say I'm on dodgy ground and they don't believe there is anything they can do for me.

I worked for Edge up until they became Redstone (same people though) and I am having to collate my Edge stuff as well.
Although Redstone "were" Edge they have made it clear that I am on my own with regards to that side of the investigation, which makes we concerned for how much useful help they're going to give me.
I don't really know where to turn.

If they is a group. I would be interested in joining.

[Samatra]

Recived HMRC letter as well

Hi I have the same letter from HMRC requesting information.
Got the standards response for Redstone.

when push comes to shove I get the feeling Redstone will walk away and leave us to fend for ourselves.
I will be interested in joining a group as well.

[PrtScn]

Worried

Hi I have the same letter from HMRC requesting information.
Got the standards response for Redstone.

when push comes to shove I get the feeling Redstone will walk away and leave us to fend for ourselves.
I will be interested in joining a group as well.

Re: The 12/13 request for documents
Anyone figured out what answers to give for the period of time up until Edge became Redstone?

Redstone have reminded on several occasions that they are no longer Edge (despite being comprised of the same staff). So they are unable/unwilling to give any assistance.
I think I'm screwed. I have no idea how to answer the questions from an Edge perspective and I only have a couple of days left on my extension.
Some guys on here appear to have been granted extensions until early Feb. I have to get my details in this week.
Have may loads of calls, sent emails. I'm no closer to figuring out how to answer these questions.