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HMRC to redirect self-assessment queries from the helpline Published: 8 June 2023 Emailed: 14 June 2023
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be trialling a seasonal self-assessment (SA) helpline. Self-assessment queries will be redirected from the helpline to HMRC's digital services, between 12 June and 4 September 2023.
For 3 months from 12 June 2023, HMRC will trial directing SA queries from the helpline to the department’s digital services, including its online guidance, digital assistant and webchat. This will free up 350 advisers to take urgent calls on other lines and answer customer correspondence. HMRC reports that the vast majority of SA customers use HMRC’s online services, with 97% filing online. The SA helpline receives far fewer calls over the summer, with calls around 50% higher between January and April compared with June to August.
Angela MacDonald, Deputy CEO and Second Permanent Secretary at HMRC, said:
‘‘We continually review our services to see how they can best serve the public and we are taking steps to improve them.
A seasonal SA helpline will make more of our expert advisers available where they are most needed during the summer months.
Our online services, including the HMRC app, are quick and easy to use and have been significantly improved. I urge customers to explore these fully before deciding to wait to speak to us on the phone.’’
The helpline will re-open on 4 September 2023, with only 5 months running up to the SA deadline on 31 January 2024. However, what knock-on effect will this have for taxpayers due to make payments by 31July 2023.
Read the full news story here.
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HMRC issues orders to stop selling avoidance schemes or face penalties Published: 9 June 2023 Emailed: 14 June 2023
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that two companies have been ordered to stop selling specific avoidance schemes immediately or face an initial penalty of £100,000.
HMRC has issued stop notices to Peak PAYE Ltd and Saxonside Ltd for promoting disguised remuneration schemes designed to avoid paying national insurance (NI) and income tax.
HMRC named the two companies as tax avoidance promoters last year but have since been issued with stop notices requiring them to halt the sale of these schemes. Previously, HMRC could only publish the names of tax avoidance promoters but are now additionally able to publicise the issuing of stop notices. A stop notice requires a company to immediately cease promoting an avoidance scheme, notify their clients that a stop notice has been issued and make quarterly compliance declarations to HMRC. Failure to do so can lead to an initial fine of up to £100,000 and unlimited accumulating penalties for other breaches of the notice of up £5000 per scheme user.
Mary Aiston, HMRC’s Director of Counter Avoidance, said:
“Stop Notices are a powerful way to close down individual schemes and ensure money goes to fund our vital public services. Peak PAYE and Saxonside must stop selling these schemes or face severe penalties.
Most schemes don’t work and risk taxpayers getting into debt. We've already made great strides in tackling promoters of tax avoidance and we’ll continue to act against those who design and sell schemes.
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