HMRC clearly need a break and that’s what came into place on the 12th June. HMRC have closed the main self-assessment helpline telephone number (0300 200 3310) until the 4th September.
People trying to call that number will just be directed to online services where the taxpayer is supposed to be able to service themselves through the online tax account or general help guidance. I am quite sure that people would love to be able to do this and not be in a queue to speak to a person for 45min to up to 2 hours I have heard.
Of course, HMRC says it is to put resources on other lines and to open the post, but hey – look at the weather we are having at the moment. Of course, I could just be cynical – you know me !!!
The main useful number is the payment services line (especially as the July payment on account is due in 5-6 weeks) is 0300 200 3835 if you cannot pay in time or 0300 200 3822 if you need a time to pay agreement if the deadline has passed.
For the National Insurance Help Line (are you still trying to pay prior years’ NI), then the number is 0300 200 3500 – if you are back paying, then make sure you get a reference number to pay against.
For tax credits then the number is 0345 300 3900, but I think the webpage may have this wrong as most HMRC numbers start 0300 200
We have several helpful guides on our knowledge base including the use of the online tax account, so feel free to use it – https://bit.ly/3xX6upO
