A MAN has been told to wind up his own estate because he is dead — even though he is still very much alive.

Dave Stacey (pictured) received a letter from HM Revenue and Customs asking him to fill a form in about the estate of the late David L Stacey... himself.

Mr Stacey, 72, of Arden Drive, Torquay, said there was no possible mix-up with his brother Donald because he has been living in Sussex for the past nine years.

Mr Stacey said: "No one wants to be dead before it is their time.

"I was quite upset by their letter saying I'm dead.

"I'm not dead yet but when I contacted HMRC they just laughed if off saying it was a mistake."

The HMRC-headed letter said: "Estate of the late Mr D L Stacey. To allow me to check the tax position to the date of death please complete and return the enclosed form.

"Please let me have details of any income received or assets sold during the administration period, along with any capital gains calculation.

"You do not need to send me the originals or copies of the will, grant of probate, letters of administration or death certificate. If I need them I will ask you."

Mr Stacey, who has been involved with Torbay Boxing Club for four decades, said: "It's a mix-up, and a very annoying one, too."

He added: "They can wind up all the estate they want. I don't have anything."

A spokesman for HMRC said the letter had been a mistake and apologised to Mr Stacey.

He said: "We are very sorry to hear of the problems your reader has had. We apologise to both him and his family for any distress caused by the letter we issued to him in error."