HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that from this week it will be prioritising calls on its self assessment (SA) helpline leading up to the filing deadline.
This is especially important for individuals who still need to complete their 2022/2023 self assessment tax return by the 31 January deadline.
For any inquiries that can be easily resolved online HMRC will be directing you to HMRC’s online services starting from December 11th until the 22/23 SA deadline on January 31 2024.
The expert advisers at HMRC will primarily focus on addressing priority SA queries that cannot be easily handled online.
They will also provide support to the small percentage of customers who require additional assistance or are unable to engage with HMRC digitally.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:
“This is a busy time for customers who want to get their taxes sorted. We want to help customers resolve any issues in the quickest and easiest way, which is often through our online services.”
“The vast majority of Self Assessment customers file their returns digitally, so we’re helping them make the next step to resolving simpler queries through our online services.”
“Our expert advisers will be there to help people with urgent and more complicated queries as well as helping the small number who are unable to access our online services.”
HMRC gave some examples of inquiries that can be resolved much more efficiently through online channels including:
- The updating of personal information like your address.
- Tracking the progress of a self assessment registration.
- Terminating a self assessment registration.
- Verifying a self assessment unique taxpayer reference (UTR) number.
2022/2023 self assessment tax return support
HMRC has observed that approximately two thirds of calls made to their SA helpline could be resolved more efficiently by making use of HMRC’s online services.
The majority of HMRC’s SA customers already use HMRC’s online services with over 97% of them filing their SA returns online last year so using other online based functions should be better for most people.
If you require assistance in completing your tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year (before the deadline on January 31, 2024) HMRC want you initially to try and use the online support available on GOV.UK.
Using an online alternative to phoning HMRC is often easier and quicker for everyone and means you can access the information you need at a time that’s better for you instead of only during HMRC opening times.
In order to ensure that all SA callers are aware of the extensive range of online resources available HMRC aims to redirect them accordingly.
How do I access HMRC online services?
It’s positive to know that overall HMRC online services have received high customer satisfaction ratings exceeding 80% and eliminate the need to endure lengthy wait times on the phone.
We’ve listed below some of the most useful online services that can help you get your tax return completed and submitted on time:
Personal tax account: Is ideal to find reference numbers like your national insurance number and employers PAYE tax reference number. P60 and P45 details are also available for the employers section of your tax return.
HMRC app: Offers a lot of the same information as the personal tax account.
HMRC digital assistant: The digital assistant can be asked questions and if it cannot help you can use HMRC webchat to get a reply from an adviser.
Check if you need to do a tax return: If you don’t meet the SA criteria you can ask HMRC to cancel your 22/23 tax return. This tool lets you double check if you should complete a tax return and what steps to take if you need to cancel it.
Change your address: There’s no need to call HMRC to update your address when you can easily do it online but wait before you actually move before you do it.
After you’ve submitted your 22/23 tax return you can pay any self assessment tax that you owe to HMRC online as well.
Can I still phone HMRC?
Yes you can still call HMRC and they are closely monitoring all incoming calls to identify individuals who may need extra help.
These customers are then referred to HMRC’s Extra Support Team which consists of specially trained professionals dedicated to assisting vulnerable taxpayers.
Other services that are worth knowing about are the Time to Pay and Budget Payment Planner. Both are useful tools that help you pay HMRC the income tax you owe and avoid penalties.
2022/2023 tax return support for lower incomes
If you are on a lower income and need help with your 22/23 tax return you might be able to access support from organisations other than HMRC.
TaxAid: TaxAid is a non-profit organization committed to helping individuals with limited incomes who encounter difficulties with their tax concerns. TaxAid provides complimentary and impartial guidance on a range of tax matters that specifically affect individuals with low incomes.
LITRG: The Low Income Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is unable to provide direct assistance to individuals. However, they do offer guidance on where to find official tax advice, assistance, and resources.
Tax help for older people: Is specifically for senior citizens providing knowledgeable assistance to individuals with lower incomes.
To be eligible for this free support you must be nearing or over the age of 60. Those who are responsible for the welfare of qualifying elderly individuals, whether they are family members or friends can also seek assistance on their behalf.
