Behind the Numbers: When HMRC Gets Creative
Accountancy might sound predictable, but sometimes our work brings unexpected — and often hilarious — situations. Over the years, we’ve encountered a few HMRC stories that make you shake your head, laugh, and appreciate the unpredictable side of accounting.
Mistaken Identity: The Traveling Electrician
One memorable example involved a self-employed electrician whose accounts and tax returns we prepare each year. One day, HMRC sent a Statement of Earnings showing pension and employment income we had never seen before.
The client denied the extra income. So, I rang HMRC to clarify. They insisted the income belonged to him and couldn’t explain why.
Curious, I asked what type of employment they thought he had. Their reply? “Transporting zoo animals around Europe!”
I couldn’t help laughing. I explained: “He’s a self-employed electrician working full time — he doesn’t have time to do that!”
After further checking, HMRC confirmed the record had been crossed with someone else’s. Problem solved — and a great story for the office.
Waiting on Hold: When HMRC Gets Distracted
A more recent experience reminded me that patience is sometimes a key accounting skill. I waited in HMRC’s phone queue, eventually getting through only to hear a group of employees chatting loudly.
Repeated attempts to say “Hello?” went unanswered. Frustrating enough — but what they were talking about was even more astonishing: unprofessional comments about someone in the office, with inappropriate and politically incorrect language.
My colleague recorded the conversation so we could submit a complaint. HMRC apologised and promised a transcript. When the disc arrived, it was empty, displaying a screenshot of Bollywood actors!
We are currently following up to get the real transcript, but the experience was another reminder that accounting work often involves unexpected — and sometimes absurd — interactions with HMRC.
Lessons from Unusual HMRC Encounters
These experiences show that accountancy isn’t always about numbers. Sometimes, it’s about problem-solving, navigating bureaucracy, and keeping your sense of humour intact.
Even small practices face unusual scenarios that test patience, diplomacy, and a good laugh. And let’s be honest — stories like these make the job far more memorable.