Age UK statement on HMRC tax code error

Commenting on an HMRC error resulting in over 140,000 older people being in the wrong tax code, Andrew Harrop, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Age UK said:

'Coming at a time when many pensioners are feeling financially stretched, HMRC's error will be a source of serious concern for older people on modest incomes.

'When the taxman makes mistakes, older taxpayers should not have to pay the price, and we would have liked to have seen the repayments written off. It is essential that those affected are informed as soon as possible, allowing them time to put money aside for the extra cost.

'If HMRC has no option but to collect underpaid tax, they should at the very least ensure people are informed that if their income goes down because they are paying more tax, they may be entitled to benefits they weren't previously able to claim. Help should also be offered to spread the payments over a longer period if it will be difficult for the individual to repay them.'

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Ref: FC/SW/AH

Notes to editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity). 

Media contact: Lizzie Webster
Tel: 020 8765 7516
Out of hours: 07071 243 243