Employer got my PAYE wrong - have I any come back?

I've underpaid PAYE by €1,980 in 2004, it's my employer's fault and I'm wondering if I've any come back?

We're a two income household and initially the tax office divided the €56k, 20% tax band as follows: me €37k, my wife €19k. Since we both earn about the same, I asked the tax office to divide the tax band more evenly, which they did: €28k to me, €28k to my wife.

My wife's employer made the adjustment, mine did not. The result is that €65k (€37k + €28k) was taxed at 20% instead of the correct €56k, leaving a net underpayment of €1,980.

I'm furious and wondering if there's any come back against my employer? AFAIK it's simple carelessness on their part. Before Clubman, Rainyday, et al jump in, I realise I underpaid in 2004 so it's time to face the music in 2005. I also realise I should have checked my payslips more carefully during the year. But eaten bread is soon forgotten.

I now have to find €1,980 for the taxman just because my employer couldn't be bothered to do their job. Can they now just walk away, leaving the problem to me?

*

Moneybags,
You have'nt a leg to stand on.
You should have checked earlier.
The money owed will be taken back spread probably over five years.
Rgds
Red

Re: *

OK your employer may have made a mistake, but are you sure they even received the new credit cert from Revenue? It's possible they never received a new one and continued to use the old.

Either way, it's your responsibility to check your own wages.

If Rev are looking for the whole amount up front, ask them to adjust your credits over a few years instead.

Call PAYE helpline on 1890 333425 and see what they say. It shouldn't be a problem.

Good Luck

Re: *

If your employer admits they were partly to blame also, could you approach them and get them to pay the amount outstanding, and you repay it back to them over a term which suits both.

Re: *

You could always do nothing and see if the Revenue realise the error. If this happens you could play dumb and then ask them to spread it out over a few years.

Maybe not what the Revenue would say but worth a mention in any event.

Re: *

Revenue will find out, at least they did with me in a very similar situation. Employer related. Revenue were cool about it and after initially wanting it back over 3 years, they extended it to five. It wasn't even that much money so I considered it an interest free loan. Best way to look at it!