Years ago we used to get MIRAS (I think it was mortgage interest relief at source).Basically it was tax relief on your mortgage interest payments.I had a preferential mortgage as I worked for the Pru,but when i left it reverted to the standard variable.Somewhere along the line the MIRAS got lost and i didn`t notice.Some years later it was noticed and i claimed it back from the Inland Revenue.They and the halifax argued the toss about who owed me what.I ended up with just over £4000.So i complained to both of them about their the hardship I`d been through without what should have been my money.They both paid me ex gratia payments to shut me up.I complained again and they sent me more money on the proviso that i signed a form to say that was the end of it,which i did.
So i ended up with about £5000.
Majorca was lovely that year.
I went out and bought a 3 piece from UNO.I paid for it on my visa card.They went bust.I never received the 3 piece or a penny back from the administrators.
In one hand ,out the other.
Another one was when i claimed my tax back as a Pru agent and they asked if i had another job,which i admitted to,as i collected the Pools aswell.They told me they owed me £400,but i owed them £200,so i said just deduct the £200 i owe you from the £400 you owe me.
Some plonker at the Inland Revenue hit the + button instead,so i got £600 back.
I asked the accountant what i should do.
He said,"Spend it",so i did and never heard another word about it.