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Guernsey's Revenue Service has reiterated the importance of individuals checking their own data is up to date to avoid an "unwelcome tax bill".
Express posed some additional questions to the Revenue Service after a reader contacted us with details of their own situation.
Despite following advice from the tax office they were left surprised by bill sometime after they had left the island and returned to live in the UK.
Although the details of their individual case cannot be disclosed at this time, Express asked the Revenue Service how such bills are calculated.
A spokesperson for the Revenue Service told us that individuals need to ensure their coding notice and all personal and financial data held on them is up to date. This includes updating the Revenue Service on changes to mortgage rates or pension contributions, as an example.
"Broadly speaking, one of the ways that customers who receive coding notices can avoid receiving an unwelcome tax bill is by making sure that their coding notice is up to date," the spokesperson said.
"We collect personal and financial data from customers, in-line with our Fair Processing Notice, that enables us to assess and collect income tax. But we wouldn’t, for example, know what a customer’s current mortgage rate is or if they have paid extra into their pension, and so it is up to customers to keep us informed and keep their coding notice up to date."
With a backlog of income tax returns to be assessed, and questions over whether their figures can be trusted, the Revenue Service has previously issued a public apologie to members of the public who feel aggrieved.
However, the spokesperson also told Express that individuals are given explanations when they receive bills so they know what the extra charges are for, and how, and when they must be paid.
"This is explained in the letter we send out to customers that accompanies their coding notice. Regardless, if a bill is subsequently found to be inaccurate, we would refund the payment. Detailed information about coding notices can also be found on our website at www.gov.gg/yourcodingnotice.
"The Revenue Service does have a duty to collect tax that is due as this deprives the island of tax revenue to support public services. Guidance for Customers who feel aggrieved and wish to make a complaint is available on our website. We aim to respond to complaints in a timely manner, but this does vary depending on the nature and complexity of the complaint.”
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