HMRC umbrella company ‘checking tool’ looms for workers
Umbrella company consultation response and guidance due from HMRC, as more details come out on Tax Administration and...
READ MOREHMRC trials answer by text system to cut call queues
Routine calls to HM Revenue and Customs will be answered by text, rather than by a human, in a trial aimed at improving its customer service record.
From Thursday, the tax authority will send a direct website link by text to some people who want to find their reference number or reset a password.
It is expecting 170,000 calls this month with simple questions before the self-assessment tax return deadline.
MPs have slammed HMRC for a poor call handling record over the years.
More than 12 million people are required to complete tax self-assessments online before 31 January, but some are left frustrated by long waits on HMRC's phonelines when trying to get help.
The trial will continue until the start of April, and is designed to free up the call handlers for more complex issues.
A test by the BBC found that callers to HMRC are still met with a series of recorded messages, including a warning about potential long waits. Automated voice messages direct people to the HMRC website in much the same way as the new text message will for relatively simple enquiries.
Read more at BBC News
Previous
Mortgage costs expected to rise this year, says Bank of England
Next
Insolvencies soar in December
A beginner’s guide to the taxes you’ll hear about this election...
National insurance, income tax, VAT, capital gains tax, inheritance tax… it’s easy to get confused about the many...
READ MORE
With bitcoin hitting new highs, it’ll likely reach the US$100,000...
Cryptocurrencies are surging again. Bitcoin has just hit an all-time high of more than US$72,000 (£56,300), pushing...
READ MORE