His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (still weird to see 'his' in there), is responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws. As a taxpayer, it is important to have a good understanding of how to communicate with HMRC ...
Communicating with HMRC may seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can easily get your tax queries answered!
The most common way to communicate with HMRC is through their telephone helplines. These are available for different tax-related queries such as income tax, self-assessment, employers, VAT, and child benefits.
Self Assessment - 0300 200 3310
Tax Credits - 0300 300 3900
Child Benefit - 0300 200 3100
Income Tax - 0300 200 3300
National Insurance - 0300 200 3500
However, it is important to note that live chat is currently not available for general customer enquiries. It is only available for specific topics such as PAYE, self-assessment, employers, VAT, and child benefits.
To start a webchat, you can visit this page on HMRC's website and choose from the available categories. Answer a quick set of screening questions and your enquiry will get routed appropriately.
If you are a business owner and need help with payroll and PAYE enquiries, you can call the Employers Line on 0300 200 3200 which is available from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday. This helpline can assist with corrections, late or lost returns, employment allowance, and real-time information issues.
For VAT-related queries, you can call the VAT Helpline on 0300 200 3700 which is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Thursday. This helpline can assist with applying for VAT, understanding rates and thresholds, amending VAT details, discussing assessments, and negotiating time-to-pay arrangements. Payroll enquiries can be made to 0300 200 3200.
It is important to note that the response time for these helplines may vary depending on staff levels and the number of people trying to get through. To reduce your wait time, try calling earlier in the opening window and have all relevant paperwork ready in front of you.
In addition to these methods, you can also communicate with HMRC through written correspondence. This can be done through letters or by using the secure online messaging service on the government gateway. This method is useful for sending supporting documents or requesting a review of a decision made by HMRC.
"When communicating with HMRC, have all relevant information and documents ready to provide to the adviser!"
Communicating with HMRC may seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can easily get your tax queries answered. Whether it is through helplines, online services, social media, or written correspondence, make sure to have all relevant information ready and maintain a polite and patient attitude. With these tips, you can effectively communicate with HMRC and manage your tax affairs with ease.
Remember ... although we are on hand to assist with tax queries, it's always best to talk directly to HMRC when possible.
Until next time ...
ROGER EDDOWES Business Godparent
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more about communicating with HMRC, it may be a great idea to call me on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.
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Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.
Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.
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