Each letter or email from HMRC feels like small but constant suffering, and you're always scared of the next one. phone This worker described the constant correspondence from HMRC demanding payment for a significant tax bill his employer hadn't paid as death by a thousand cuts.
The loan charge has affected tens of thousands of people in the UK and has been linked to 10 suicides.
Another dozen individuals have tried to end their lives due to the unfairness of the loan charge, which has been compared to another Horizon scandal.
One worker described overdosing due to the overwhelming financial and psychological burden.
Speaking to Sky NewsDylan, not his real name, said HMRC contacted him again while he was in hospital recovering.
Another victim, an IT contractor using the name Mark, told the broadcaster he stepped in front of a minicab after being pursued for £60,000 over seven years.
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He initially called HRMC to notify them of a mistake, hoping everyone would just laugh and walk away, but that didn't happen.
Since then, he has been constantly feeling the impact of the loan charge and it hasn't stopped.
HMRC also contacted his partner while she was in the hospital being treated for breast cancer.
The loan charge targeted freelancers or self-employed contractors who were paid through a third party, often an umbrella company.
The agency has been accused of focusing on individuals instead of the organizers, many of whom are based offshore, because it's easier to recover money from individuals.
The loan charge was introduced in the 2016 Budget to reclaim unpaid taxes.
Some companies were involved in a tax avoidance scheme where staff were paid in the form of loans.
Deductions on pay slips that seemed like tax and national insurance were actually fees taken by the promoters.
Many of those impacted by the scheme were unaware of what was really happening.
The loan charge was introduced in the 2016 Budget to collect unpaid taxes.
But there's anger over the way HMRC is now pursuing individuals for large sums of money.
MPs earlier this year called for a fair resolution and a full independent investigation to avoid another Horizon scandal.
Another worker, who chose to remain anonymous, said they had been considering suicide as the letters kept coming in.
While chopping up food, this person paused to hold a knife to their wrist and thought about how it would be a relief to end it, but was interrupted by their son walking in.
Earlier this year, MPs urged for a fair resolution and a full independent investigation of the loan charge to prevent another Horizon scandal.
DUP MP Sammy Wilson stated that the loan charge has similarities to the Post Office-related injustice, where faulty Fujitsu accounting software led to criminal convictions for branch managers.
Mr Wilson and other MPs put forward a parliamentary motion cautioning about 'unaffordable demands', the 'risk of further suicides', and the limited independence of the review conducted by Lord Morse.
They urged the Government to collaborate with all parties to find a 'fair resolution' and to conduct a full independent investigation, including looking into the conduct of HMRC.
Treasury minister Nigel Huddleston commented that there has been 'scaremongering' surrounding the loan charge.
He responded to MPs' calls for a 'truly independent' review following reports of suicides, relationship break-ups, and mental health breakdowns by emphasizing the importance of engaging with HMRC to address concerns and arranging long-term repayment plans.
He also addressed fears about homes being seized or pensions being surrendered, reassuring that this is not the case and encouraging engagement with HMRC to establish manageable repayment timelines.
He also allayed fears of homes being taken over or pensions being given up, and stressed the importance of engaging with HMRC to negotiate reasonable repayment timelines, which would provide reassurance to many fearing severe consequences.
An HMRC spokesperson acknowledged the human impact of unpaid tax bills, emphasized their commitment to supporting taxpayers under pressure, and highlighted significant improvements in their service.
They stated that support is available for customers who used tax avoidance schemes, including the option to pay in instalments under a Time to Pay Arrangement based on the taxpayer's affordability, with no maximum duration for spreading payments.
They encouraged anyone worried about paying their tax bill to contact them as soon as possible to discuss available options.
Tens of thousands of people in the UK have been impacted by the loan charge.
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