Brian

I complete my self-assessment on-line. In the state pension section, the instructions are to enter the amount of annual pension that one is entitled to. My point is, that by using that figure, in my case at least, it is always greater than the amount actually received. Therefore, when all the sums are done relating to income, my overall income is less by the difference between the entitlement and the actual amount received, whereas I am taxed on the entitled pension. I know the difference in tax is small, but, as I said, it's the principle of this I object to. Why can't we just enter the actual amount received? That would eliminate the issue. Many thanks Brian

When including state pension on a tax return it is always assumed by HMRC that, for tax purposes, a full quota of thirteen 4-weekly payments have been received at the rate prevailing for the tax year concerned. In actual fact, in my case at least, the first payment of the tax year, (the April payment), is paid at the rate prevailing during the previous tax year. As a consequence, each year, I have to pay a little more tax than I should. I have taken this up with DWP, who referred me to HMRC, who then referred me back to DWP. I'm not talking big bucks here. It's the principle of this regular, small, overpayment of tax. Any advice on how to get this rectified would be appreciated.