Nobody likes to complain but if things have not gone as you hoped or expected in your dealings with the Revenue you might need to complain in order that matters can be put right.

In this section we cover just the essentials - how to appeal and who to complain to with information on the various stages of the complaints procedure. We consider what to do if your complaint is not dealt with to your satisfaction. There is also a section on getting a refund of any costs you have to pay out in connection with the complaint and how to get compensation for any delay or distress in settling matters.

Appeals

If you would like to be able to understand how the various stages of the appeals system works and how to go about things if you need to make an appeal - please click the heading.

How to complain

It is likely that you are reading this section because something is not happening as you hoped or expected. We want to make sure that your problem is solved and that you understand what has gone wrong.

We know that most people don't like to complain but if you are not happy with the way the Revenue are dealing with you they do want to know. That way they can sort out your problem and improve their service to everyone.

Do you think you:

• Have had to wait too long?
• Have been treated unfairly or impolitely?
• Are not getting the right amounts of money?
• Are not paying the right amounts of tax or national insurance?
• Are not getting the right benefits, credits or allowances?
• Have been given incorrect advice or information?
• Received bad service in some other way?

Sometimes the law lays down time limits for taking action, so the sooner the better or you may lose out.

In this section we try to explain as simply as possible -

Costs & compensation

Don't forget if you have a justified complaint - there may be times when you need to pay extra costs as a result of a Revenue mistake or unreasonable delay. If this is the case you can claim any reasonable costs which you have had to pay as a direct result.

These types of mistakes and delays may cause you a great deal of worry and distress. If Revenue actions have affected you particularly badly, they may be able to make a payment to acknowledge and apologise for the way they have treated you.

In this final section we look at how these types of costs and compensation might affect you.