HMRC Doesn't Give a Flying Fuck - Closes Helplines

 

HMRC has announced permanent cuts to its helpline services. While the department claims these changes are part of modernisation efforts, they raise significant concerns for taxpayers and professionals alike.

1. Self Assessment Phoneline Closure
The decision to permanently close the self assessment phoneline between April and September is a perplexing one. During these crucial months, taxpayers often seek assistance with complex queries related to their self assessment. By directing them solely to online services, HMRC risks leaving many in the lurch. Not everyone is comfortable navigating digital platforms, and the closure of the phoneline may exacerbate confusion and frustration.

2. VAT and PAYE Helpline Cuts
The permanent closure of the VAT helpline is particularly troubling. Businesses rely on this service for timely advice on VAT registration, compliance, and other critical matters. The abruptness of the closure—only five days' notice—shows a lack of consideration for taxpayers and agents. Furthermore, limiting the helpline to just five days a month adds unnecessary pressure during peak filing periods.

Similarly, the PAYE helpline's refusal to handle refund-related calls is baffling. Refunds are a fundamental aspect of tax administration, and taxpayers should be able to seek clarification without hurdles. Redirecting them to online resources may not always suffice, especially when specific scenarios require personalized assistance.

3. Lack of Transparency
HMRC's decision-making process lacks transparency. The inconclusive evaluation of the trial closure of the self assessment helpline during the summer months raises questions. Why make permanent changes without a thorough assessment of their impact? 

Taxpayers deserve clarity on how these decisions were reached and what evidence supports them.

 4. Impact on Accessibility
While HMRC emphasises self-service through online channels, it must recognise that not everyone has equal access. Some taxpayers lack reliable internet connectivity or struggle with digital literacy. The closure of helplines disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with limited technological resources.

5. Professional Concerns
Tax professionals, including the ICAEW Senior Technical Manager Caroline Miskin and CIOT President Gary Ashford, have expressed reservations. The VAT helpline closure may lead to high demand, long waiting times, and potential errors. HMRC's ability to provide adequate support is now in question.

Caroline Miskin:

“While HMRC has evaluated the trial to close the self assessment helpline during the summer months, it doesn’t plan to formally review it any further, even though the impact of this move on the accuracy of returns won’t be clear for some time.

Since restricting the self assessment helpline, HMRC has been quick to promote the fact that a record number of taxpayers met the self assessment deadline. However, more people also missed the deadline and some online services require significant improvement.”

CIOT president Gary Ashford: 

“We are deeply dismayed that, so soon after the criticisms levelled at them by the Public Accounts Committee, and in the light of an inconclusive evaluation, HMRC have decided to make these big, permanent cuts to the help they provide to taxpayers. If last year’s announcement of the summer closure of the Self-Assessment helpline was a ‘flashing indicator’ that HMRC can’t cope, today’s announcements are a blinding light.

HMRC’s own evaluation of both the closure of the helpline in summer 2023, and the helpline restrictions during the 2024 self-assessment peak, concluded that it is too early to say if there has been a long-term shift from phone contact to online self-service. Yet HMRC have decided to go ahead anyway."

Conclusion
HMRC's helpline cuts risk alienating taxpayers and undermining the department's core mission—to serve the public effectively. While modernisation is essential, it should not come at the expense of accessibility and quality service. Taxpayers deserve better, and HMRC must reevaluate its approach to helpline services.


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