Well, not quite. The UK's top tax official has however apologised to the 1.4m people facing an unexpected tax bill. HM Revenue and Customs Permanent Secretary Dave Hartnett said he was "deeply sorry" and everyone his department was "working hard to make this as painless as possible". Earlier Mr Hartnett had told the BBC he "saw no need" to apologise as tax reconciliation was a routine measure, however his remarks drew criticism from MPs and coalition government sources.
In a statement, Mr Hartnett said:
"I am deeply sorry that people are facing an unexpected tax bill. Everyone in HMRC is working hard to make this as painless as possible. I apologise if my remarks came across as insensitive. I am working flat out with my colleagues to ensure everyone's tax is correct and the new computer system will help us do this. It was this new system that revealed the extent and size of reconciliations required and will help us be more accurate in future but we do not underestimate the distress caused to taxpayers and once again I apologise."
