I've just had an interesting conversation with HMRC. For those who don't know, any business using gaming machines has to register for MGD (Machine Gaming Duty) In February, we applied, and received paperwork back, but with the wrong details, quoting the building as the trading company, not the correct limited company. Attempts were made to change the details online. After no success, the help line was phoned. 'No you can't do it online its not working. Please write to XXX quoting reference YYY to get it changed. Correct details will then be sent.
New details received, followed by a pin number and duly registered online, all MGD submissions made, MGD paid in full.
With it so far....all well and good.
But no, no no.
Receive a letter in September threatening legal action for unpaid MGD (est £240) on the first registration . Phone the Debt agency...2 hour phone call explaining in plain English what has happened. It should have been cancelled in February.
Got another letter today, same threats. Phoned agency and explained again...yes, it was all on the computer in front of him.
So why are you asking the building for money. The trading name you are claiming from does not exist...its a building. 'But it owes us money' No it does not, its a bloody building.' It is not a company, there are no employees, it does not have a bank account. It does not have gaming machines...its bricks and mortar. 'We will take legal action'. You can't...its a bloody building. Right...this is now p***ing me off big time....go ahead and take legal action. I am prepared to take a representative of the building to the court, but it will have to be a roof tile, as its probably the only bit of the building I could get loose.
Silence.........then 'Hmmmmmm, I see your point' What you need to do is this...bla, bla bla form VAT 7 bla bla bla...2 copies of Blank return forms, contact Reg unit in Grimsby.....I am transferring you to someone who will help with the forms.
Ring ring...'How can I help'...I explain.....'I'll transfer you, wrong dept' .......'How can I help'.......No you don't do that, you have to do this, and don't write there, write to this place in Glasgow.
Is it any wonder my sanity is now in question