Contacting HMRC is not easy

Trying to find out why a payment for a penalty has not been actioned by the HMRC. I paid the penalty but it still shows that I owe the penalty six months later. If only they would answer the phone and the chat box is of no use as it cannot answer any reasonable question and will not put you through to a real person. No acknowledgement from letters I have sent also.

Hi Paul,
I am sorry if you have has issues when trying to contact HMRC. To review this for you we would need to access your record. You will need to contact HMRC to do this Self Assessment: general enquiries.
Thank you.