Rant on tax

About two weeks ago I received a cheque for £x in the post - a tax refund from HM Revenue and Customs. Hurrah!

Today I got a letter telling me I'd underpaid by £2x, and that is ignoring the £x refund I just got. So if it's right I owe £3x. Plus they want roughly £x at the same time (end of Jan 2012) in advance for this current tax year, ending April 2012.

I mean... what?

I can understand the refund - it's specifically on my "Pay as you Earn" income, and I did overpay because I didn't work a full year.. and my monthly tax was as if I did.

But the new letter makes no sense. It's on my "self assessment" tax return but it completely ignores the fact most of my income is PAYE (ie, I'm already paying it in advance!), and my personal allowance.

I know. I just need to call them in the morning. But getting this kind of thing in the post is so stressful. I'm far from stupid but "oh yes, you owe us a whole month's salary, thanks" is... ugh.

And.. I know the amount of money we have influences what things cost. But losing 1/3 of every pay cheque.. man. Then 20% VAT on top (well, 13% here in Canada.. but then there's the 2% exchange fee and the GBP isn't doing so well lately...).

Ach well. I'm warm, clothed, fed, etc.

End rant. Time for bed!