HMRC has revealed that from April 8 to September 30, taxpayers will not be allowed to call the tax office. As a result, those who would have previously spoken with an adviser about their inquiries will now need to self-serve online.
It also stated that the phone line will close at the same time each year.
“Roughly two-thirds of calls” to HMRC’s hotline were “routine or simple enquiries, which can be resolved online using our digital services, tools and guidance,” the agency stated, explaining why it was taking this action.
It claimed that closing the self-assessment line in earlier trials allowed it to assist more clients and had no effect on taxpayers’ capacity to file or make payments on schedule.
The revelation was made several weeks after HMRC’s customer services were described as having reached a “all-time low” by Parliament’s cross-party budget watchdog.
What is the plan going forward for handling your inquiries? Will there still be a phone line available for you to reach someone? Will the MP Helpline remain the same?
