HMRC’s decision to close helpline services could make tax compliance harder warns BDO
HMRC’s decision to close helpline services could make tax compliance harder warns BDO
Commenting on HMRC’s decision to close its Self Assessment helpline between April and September as part of wider changes to its helpline services, Dawn Register, Head of Tax Dispute Resolution at BDO said:
“While it’s right that every government department looks for efficiency savings, HMRC is in a unique position in that if it doesn’t provide the level of service that its customers require, there is a risk that it will fail to collect the tax that’s due.
“Digital innovation is clearly a benefit to taxpayers, but online guidance, digital assistants and webchat facilities only go so far. The tax system is complicated, people’s financial affairs are complicated, and there are times when taxpayers simply need to speak to a human being to find out the answers to their questions. Tax can be horribly stressful and our concern is that this decision will make being tax compliant more challenging for some people.
“It’s welcome that HMRC continues to modernise its systems as adding additional functionality to the HMRC app may help more taxpayers self-serve online, but it is essential that digitally excluded and vulnerable taxpayers can find out how to get HMRC support without using the app or going online.”
ENDS
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP provides integrated advice and solutions to help businesses navigate a changing world.
The organisations we work with are Britain’s economic engine –entrepreneurially-spirited, high-growth businesses that fuel the economy.
We understand the ambitions and entrepreneurial mindset of those we work with and have the global reach, integrity and expertise to help people and businesses succeed.
BDO LLP
BDO LLP operates in 18 offices across the UK, employing 7,500 people offering tax, audit and assurance, and a range of advisory services. BDO LLP is the UK member firm of the BDO international network.
BDO’s global network
The BDO global network provides business advisory services in 164 countries and territories, with 111,300 people working out of 1,803 offices worldwide. It has revenues of US$12.8bn.
Email: frank.x.shepherd@bdo.co.uk
Tel: 07812 463601
“While it’s right that every government department looks for efficiency savings, HMRC is in a unique position in that if it doesn’t provide the level of service that its customers require, there is a risk that it will fail to collect the tax that’s due.
“Digital innovation is clearly a benefit to taxpayers, but online guidance, digital assistants and webchat facilities only go so far. The tax system is complicated, people’s financial affairs are complicated, and there are times when taxpayers simply need to speak to a human being to find out the answers to their questions. Tax can be horribly stressful and our concern is that this decision will make being tax compliant more challenging for some people.
“It’s welcome that HMRC continues to modernise its systems as adding additional functionality to the HMRC app may help more taxpayers self-serve online, but it is essential that digitally excluded and vulnerable taxpayers can find out how to get HMRC support without using the app or going online.”
ENDS
Note to editors
About BDOAccountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP provides integrated advice and solutions to help businesses navigate a changing world.
The organisations we work with are Britain’s economic engine –entrepreneurially-spirited, high-growth businesses that fuel the economy.
We understand the ambitions and entrepreneurial mindset of those we work with and have the global reach, integrity and expertise to help people and businesses succeed.
BDO LLP
BDO LLP operates in 18 offices across the UK, employing 7,500 people offering tax, audit and assurance, and a range of advisory services. BDO LLP is the UK member firm of the BDO international network.
BDO’s global network
The BDO global network provides business advisory services in 164 countries and territories, with 111,300 people working out of 1,803 offices worldwide. It has revenues of US$12.8bn.
Contacts
Frank ShepherdEmail: frank.x.shepherd@bdo.co.uk
Tel: 07812 463601