A written power of attorney is essential
If you want someone to act on your behalf with a government body, a written power of attorney is essential. A casual conversation or a plain email without a power of attorney can be refused by the body. The power of attorney states who acts, for what matter, and with what authority. Only then does the body actually communicate with that representative.
Deadlines keep running, even in a dispute
For an appeal against a personal income tax assessment, you have 1 year from when the assessment is sent. For a paper assessment, that period starts on the third working day after sending. If you wait until you actually read the letter before responding, the deadline is already running, regardless of when you open it. The appeal can be filed online via MyMinfin or in writing.
Example: Daniel receives a personal income tax assessment that he disagrees with, but he's working abroad during that period. He gives a written power of attorney to someone to respond on his behalf within the 1-year deadline. Without that power of attorney, the government body would not have accepted that person's response.
Keep control of your file here
Leaving a letter or file without follow-up because you don't know how to respond can cost you dearly. What's actually needed depends on the government body and the deadline in play. Book an appointment, we get the right steps underway straight away.