David Hamer

As a British Citizen / pensioner living in South Africa since 2010, I was asked in June 24 to submit a tax return for 22/23 by 1 October 2024. I I submitted the tax return for 2022/3 on 8 July 2024. In September, I also submitted my 2023/4 return together with an R43 claiming personal tax allowances for 22/23. I received my self assessment statement last week stating I owed tax R1595.80 for 22/23 and interest is being charged as my tax payment is late! If HMRC process my R43 sent in September 24, then I owe no tax. I don't feel it is fair that I must pay income tax when I am not liable, however, interest is racking up and I dont know how long HMRC will take to process the R43. If I try to phone internationally, the call queue time is always 20 mins or more. I cannot contact HMRC electronically / email. The postal system between UK and South Africa is almost non-existent and HMRC refuse to use couriers. Yet I feel HMRC is penalising me for their inefficiency and late response to my R43. Please can you advise if there is something I can do to expedite my situation and resolve this. Is there a specific number I can call for the dept dealing to bypass the call centre delays? Or can someone call me?