Dealing with HMRC via DCA

[mingo]

I have been sent a letter from a DCA called Consumer Credit Services acting on behalf of HMRC.

 

I'm self employed and I have been trying to pay off a tax bill dating from January 31st of this year totalling £9,500 of which I have paid off until this date £7000. Leaving amount due of around £2,500 + a bit of interest.

 

I did not contact HMRC which is a mistake on my part - figured it would be paid off sooner and wouldn't need a payment plan or anything. However they have now escalated this to a DCA to collect a total of £3983 (which is an outdated amount after £1,400 was paid off after date of DCAs letter).

 

My question is how do I go about paying this, I would prefer to pay off remaining balance to HMRC - I can afford around £1000 per month give or take a few £100.

 

Should I respond to the DCA letter saying the amount is incorrect? And then pay their correct balance off once they respond? Or just continue to pay HMRC what I can until the debt is gone, probably 2 months.

 

I'm just not sure who takes priority I'm assuming HMRC would rather I kept paying direct into their account.

 

Thank you in advance for your help.

[huggy41]

i would continue to pay HMRC . if they do ring up tell them to go away as they are so far behind on the true status of the account you will only deal with a professional outfit

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

There is one good point the DCA cannot do anything without

sanction fro HMRC.

Yes if you feel you can clear it in two months do it and sideline

CCS.