Posted: 28 January 2010
Issue: Online only
Categories: News, Update, Admin, HMRC

HMRC allays fears of early close over deadline weekend

HMRC have moved to allay fears among tax advisers that the department’s online services helpline (OSH) will be providing a reduced service in the run-up to the self-assessment deadline.

The Chartered Institute of Taxation and its charity arm, the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG), both expressed concern yesterday that the Revenue’s staff-run assistance would be available until only 4.30pm on Saturday 30 January, rather than until the usual 8pm closing time.

The organisations’ claims were as a result of a note from HMRC to agents, which appeared to state that essential maintenance would be truncating the OSH’s weekend service.

‘What we cannot understand is why this information has not been posted on HMRC’s website for members of the general public, as it would appear equally to affect them,’ said the LITRG.

The department has stressed that the helpline will be open for general enquiries from taxpayers and their advisers from 8am to 8pm on both days of SA deadline weekend.

‘Our helpline service… is, in fact, enhanced, as agents will be able to call to check client-specific information,’ said a spokesperson.

Tax advisers will be able to discuss individual filings until 4.30pm on Saturday and until 8pm the following day. The Revenue’s CESAR security system – which allows staff members to verify agents’ credentials – will undergo its weekly routine maintenance from Saturday afternoon to before 8am on Sunday.

In response to this news, the LITRG remained critical of HMRC and said, 'Even though this normally happens... it is particularly undesirable... given that the self assessment deadline for online returns falls this Sunday.'

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