STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
VODAFONE owes me a £900 refund for money I accidentally paid after my mobile contract finished. It’s taking for ever to get this back — can you help?
M. S., Dartford, Kent. Your contract ended in 2012, but you kept paying the £5-amonth bill for years afterwards. these payments were made by standing order, so it was your responsibility to stop them, not Vodafone’s.
regardless, it has refunded you the £900 and apologised for the delay.
I HAVE just sold my flat in Spain as we can no longer use it. How can I transfer the money from the sale back into pounds sterling? The banks seem to charge a huge amount. What’s the best way of doing it? B. C., Teignmouth, Devon.
BANKS often charge high rates for transfers. try a specialist firm such as MoneyCorp (020 7589 3000) or transferGo (01392 694030). You can typically save € 3,000 on a € 200,000 transfer.
I RECEIVED an email from HMRC that said I was eligible for a £673.83 tax refund. I could do with the money as I turn 93 next week. Is it real or a scam? T. S., Cheadle Hulme, Stockport.
You were right to be suspicious. It’s a scam — HMRC will never contact you like this. If you genuinely think you’re owed a tax refund, call HMRC directly on 0300 200 3300.
MY MUM died 12 months ago and I’m selling her house. Since I declared its value to HMRC for inheritance tax purposes, the property has increased in value. Do I have to pay more tax if it sells for the higher price? H. W., by email.
You won’t have to pay any more inheritance tax, but you may have to pay capital gains tax on the difference in value. You get an annual tax-free allowance of £11,100. If the property has increased in value by more than this you will pay tax at 18 pc if you are basic-rate 20pc taxpayer and 28pc if you are a higher earner. If the property goes down in value and you sell it within four years of your mother’s death, you can claim back some of the inheritance tax you’ve paid by filling in an Iht38 form. MY SON had an insurance policy with Royal Insurance Co. He moved house in 1993, but his mail was not forwarded. Is there a way to trace this policy? W. W., Perth.
ROYAL Insurance Co has had various name changes over the years. however, it is likely your son’s policy is now be held by Phoenix life. You can call them on 0345 788 3311.