Individuals and businesses are warned that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has closed its last enquiry centres, meaning taxpayers can now longer drop in for advice.
The closure of the centres mean that taxpayers with queries will have to rely on HMRC’s new nationwide telephone and mobile face-to-face service should they need extra support dealing with their tax affairs.
Earlier this year the tax authority announced plans to close all its enquiry centres after a pilot programme in the North East of England. It said all centres would be closed by 30th June, and it would offer a specialist service for those who need extra support with their tax affairs.
HMRC says that it will decide who needs extra support by using a set of criteria.
The closure of the enquiry centres means that people will now have to rely on the authority’s normal helpline number, or if unable to use the phone or hard of hearing, they will be able to book a face-to-face appointment with one of HMRC’s mobile teams by using an online form from the HMRC website.
As accountants we hope that HMRC is fully resourced, with the personnel available to deal with the increase in enquiries to their enquiry service.
In the meantime, we would urge people with a tax issue to contact a trusted accountant to guide them through any tax enquiry with HMRC.
For more information on HMRC enquiry centre closures, please contact Steve Vickers, Tax Partner on T: 0114 251 8850 or email: steve.vickers@hartshaw.co.uk.