AndyB

Well what do you know - my number came up - status has changed today from 'pending' to 'issued'. Happy days and my condolences to those of you still waiting - hopefully everyone's will be sorted soon.

Well folks, another month has come and gone and we are well into the season of 'mist and mellow fruitfulness'. Unfortunately it's more 'missed (deadlines) and hollow fruitlessness' where HMRC and SA repayments are concerned. What's that old Genesis lyric: 'So the days, they turn into years, And still no repayment appears, I'll be skint awhile...' At least I think that's how it goes... ;-) Ah well, keep the faith, let's see if October brings any joy.

Well folks, the SA Helpline has reopened and I even managed to get through in less than the forecast wait time of an hour (only by a few minutes, but a win is a win). The extremely helpful and very apologetic person on the other end explained about the security checks: it's with a specialist team (yes I knew all this). Apparently this team posted an update in mid August to say 'claims will be reviewed within ten weeks'. Which takes us to the middle of November. Happy days, just in time for Christmas, I'd best tell the kids they can start writing their letter to Santa after all ... ;-)

I couldn't resist trying the chat line for a second time - after passing many security checks I was told they would send an enquiry to the team processing the repayment to ask about the delay. I was also asked to provide a phone number for contact purposes - which I did. A better experience than last time but, on the downside, I was advised that checks may take until the end of October and not to get in touch again any sooner. If using the chat, make sure you've got your dates handy and your current financial information, as you may need this to clear security checks. Let's see if anything gets progressed now...

Sent in my SA return at the end of May, repayment due, was told four weeks but still showing as pending. Managed to get an online chat yesterday and was advised to wait till mid September and not to chase before then as this may incur additional delay and there was nothing more they could tell me. When I questioned the acceptability of a four-month wait, I was basically told 'tough' and 'to complete the post chat survey if I had any feedback' - followed by 'goodbye' - making it very clear this particular interaction was over. Not sure HMRC would offer me four months grace if it was me owing them but there it is. So to those still waiting it seems the message is 'check again in September'.