Couple's tax woe highlights major system issues

Date: 22nd June 2009

A couple could have their home of 16 years repossessed due to major delays in refunding overpaid tax, according to the Financial Mail.

Lindsey and Keith Collier are owed £8,266 in overpaid tax, but could face house repossession as a result of outstanding mortgage payments of just £2,000 despite filing their tax return last August.

The Financial Mail has suggested the backlog is due to an 'overloaded' Repayment Security Team in Bristol that undertakes security checks on returned tax forms.

The financial implications of the delayed repayment have been significant for the Colliers and their case is not expected to be isolated.

Mr Collier told the newspaper: "We feel very let down by the Revenue. We're decent people, we pay our taxes and try to play by the rules. I don't know which way to turn now."

The Colliers have coped thanks to help from family and friends. If affected by such problems however, the best option could be to seek tax advice.