Letter with details of tax paid?

Hello everyone,

I have kind of a strange situation with my taxes from last year.  I had a small amount of self-employed earnings, and due to the different tax years in the US and UK I paid US tax on these earnings before I received a request from the UK to pay UK tax on them.  I paid UK tax on them last month, but I asked my accountant and he says I don't have to pay tax to both countries so could possibly get my money back from the US.

The tricky part, though, is he says I need a letter from the UK government stating that I have paid all required social security taxes here, with the amount paid, my earnings, and the year paid.  Has anyone dealt with something like this before?  I'm not really sure who to contact about this.

Thank you!

It sounds like you are probably looking for a certificate of coverage (Form CA3940) from HMRC.

Just curious why it is that you want this certificate? Why would you have not claimed exemption when you first filed the tax returns.

Thank you!  I will look into this.

As to why I didn't claim exemption, honestly, I had no idea what I was doing.  Fortunately, I am in touch with an accountant now who can help me (he is US-based so not aware of different forms &c.).

The US accountant is advising you wrongly. There is no certificate required before an amended US return is filed. You might do better selecting an adviser located in the UK who would be more quickly familiar with US/UK tax issues.