HMRC cuts helpline ahead of SA deadline
HMRC is now refusing to answer most calls about self-assessment. If you have a question preventing you completing your self-assessment return on time, what steps can you take to avoid a fine?
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HMRC clarifies treatment of averaging relief under MTD IT
HMRC has updated its guidance to explain how averaging relief claims will operate under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT). The clarification addresses concerns about how farmers and creators will claim relief once quarterly reporting becomes mandatory. What has changed?
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Double up on the employment allowance
You’re the sole shareholder of a limited company which employs several members of staff. You’re working on plans to start another business with an ex-colleague. Can both businesses benefit from the full employment allowance (EA)?
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VAT cut for children's holiday activities over summer
The government has announced a temporary reduction in the rate of VAT applying to certain children's holiday activity programmes during the summer holidays. The measure is intended to help families with childcare costs during the school break. What has changed?
HMRC resources
HMRC seems to be stumbling from one crisis to another. In 2023 it closed various helplines, some temporarily and at least one permanently. It’s done this to redirect staff to other work where it’s under pressure and failing to meet its own standards. Its latest cut to helpline resources seems even more desperate.
SA trouble
With the deadline for 2022/23 personal self-assessment (SA) returns weeks away on 31 January, HMRC decided it was a good idea to drastically limit the calls its helpline will accept, especially if they relate to SA. This applies to individuals and accountants. HMRC claims that in the majority of cases the questions raised can either wait until after the busy period or be resolved by other means.
The answer is online
HMRC says that the majority of callers will be directed to its online guidance where, it claims, they can find the answers to their questions. The trouble with this is twofold: (1) the automatically generated directions to its guidance are frequently imprecise, leaving callers floundering in a sea of irrelevant information; and (2) even if you get to the right place online HMRC overestimates how useful the guidance is. If it believes that nearly all taxpayers will get the help they need online, it’s in cloud cuckoo land.
If you don’t submit your tax return on time HMRC will fine you £100 unless you have a reasonable excuse for missing the deadline, in which case it will cancel the penalty. HMRC says that its refusal to answer your calls about SA is not a reasonable excuse.
If you can’t find the right guidance you should go ahead and file your SA tax return no later than 31 January with information to the best of your knowledge. This will avoid the £100 fine. Make a note in the additional information section of the return explaining what you’ve done and why. After 31 January HMRC says it will lift the limits on the helpline. You can ask your question then and amend your tax return if necessary.
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