Contacting HMRC by telephone – updated
HMRC have published a further revised copy of their table entitled ‘Contacting HM Revenue & Customs by phone or in writing’. The table details what claims and notifications HMRC will accept over the telephone and has been updated to include claims for revenue delay. The table also specifies those issues which need to be confirmed in writing.
The main change relates to the Extra Statutory Concession (ESC) A19 which HMRC recently republished on its website. This authorises HMRC to NOT collect underpaid tax in certain limited circumstances. Queries relating to the ESC for ‘Revenue delay’ in respect of the last two tax years can now be dealt with over the telephone.
Staff at HMRC contact centres need to be satisfied that the individual or agent making the call passes the necessary identity checks and that an agent is properly authorised. HMRC will refuse to discuss tax affairs over the telephone with persons who are unable to satisfy HMRC’s identity checks.