Self Assessment helplines

It’s been announced, at very short notice, that HMRC is to close Self Assessment helplines from the 12^th of June 2023. For 3 months.

Yes, really! You did, indeed, read that correctly. They have said that digital assistant and webchat will be available. But between the 12^th of June 2023 and the 4^th of September 2023 you will not get an answer if you try to call Self Assessment helplines. At all.

Now, some of you who have had difficulty getting through anyway, or even worse been cut off after holding for a ridiculous amount of time, may just shrug your shoulders in resignation. And I wouldn’t blame you.

It seems bizarre to me too. But I’m certainly not alone. And neither are you. Consternation in the press is matched by almost all of us in the tax and accounting industry. As well as any taxpayer that may need to speak with them in order to submit their return correctly. And in plenty of time.

Worse, many taxpayers are due to make payments by the 31^st of July. Many in my profession have criticised the decision and, quite rightly, see it as another barrier to engaging with taxpayers and their agents.

HMRC have cited several reasons for doing this but I can only predict problems and public outcry. And I fully expect my Professional body to get together with all the others to raise their concerns at the highest level. As well as MPs being contacted up and down the country.

Watch this space and let me know what you think.

Get support from a Licensed Accountant

If you are not confident about preparing and submitting your self assessment tax return or don’t have the time, getting a licensed accountant to do it for you can actually save you money. It can free up your valuable time which you can use to concentrate on your business. You can also benefit by knowing it has been done correctly and on time. Mistakes can be costly. As can missing the deadline.