HMRC confirms authenticity of unpaid tax letters

A taxpayer received a letter from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) stating they owed £51 in unpaid tax. Concerned, the individual reached out on social media, noting that several others also received the same letter for the same amount. HMRC clarified its process regarding unpaid tax. The taxpayer confirmed they had received both a P800 tax calculation letter and a notice about the unpaid amount. This P800 letter explained the debt and offered repayment options, either through monthly deductions from wages or as a one-time payment. The taxpayer was confused because the unpaid tax was for the 2023-2024 tax year, not the current year. HMRC responded, suggesting that if the underpayment was from last year, it could be collected through the tax code in the following tax year. Despite reassurances from HMRC, the taxpayer questioned the letter's authenticity since so many people were informed of the same debt. HMRC confirmed that the letter was genuine and recommended checking the online tax account for more details. HMRC typically sends letters about unpaid or overpaid tax from June to March of the next tax year. Various reasons can lead to a tax underpayment, such as being placed on the wrong tax code or receiving payments from multiple jobs.