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With HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline closed, should we say adios to a stress-free summer? 👋
Maybe we’re being a bit OTT, but HMRC has definitely taken the sun, sea, and sangria out of this summer!
Taxpayers have quite literally been ‘put on hold’, after the announcement that HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline will be closed over the summer months.
Now, they’re left fearing the worst. Chatbots.
HMRC are hopeful that the temporary closure of their Self Assessment helpline will prioritise customers with urgent queries – but, what about the rest of us? 😢
The helpline’s new seasonal model will run between 12 June and 4 September 2023 – that’s nearly a quarter of the year! 😧
If you call the helpline, don’t expect Barbara to pick up at the other end.
You’ll be redirected to HMRC’s digital services instead. 👋
HMRC claim that any query that can be resolved over the phone, can also be sorted via webchat. 🤔
We hate to shade HMRC, but we’ve spotted a big oversight…
HMRC seem to have forgotten about digitally excluded people, e.g. your grandad who may not be quite as tech-savvy as you.
Not only have they caused quite a stir, but they have now left many of you wondering, “who can I turn to in times of tax need?”
Well, TaxScouts, of course!
Whilst HMRC figure out whether the closure of their helpline is going to be a hit, spoiler – it’s not, we’ve got the answers to your questions right here. 🙌
So, let’s get started.
A Self Assessment, or personal tax return, is filed by taxpayers (or better yet – their accountants) to declare their untaxed income to HMRC.
After filing your tax return, you’ll receive your tax bill (boo!) or you’ll find out that you’re getting a tax rebate (woohoo).
Whilst most people’s income is taxed through a system called PAYE (pay as you earn), there are other reasons why you might still need to file a tax return:
We’ve got a full list of reasons you might need to file a tax return, in our guide here!
Download our free calendar, and never miss a deadline again.
All you need is a Google account, so there are no excuses! 🫣
There are a few ways to go about it. You can:
If you don’t have time to post a paper tax return, or you’re simply not in the mood, don’t worry!
You can use our tax return service – it’s quick, easy, and stress-free. 🤩
As well as our tax return service, our website is full of resources to help you with all things tax this summer… as well as autumn, winter and spring – we’re not leaving anyone behind! 💁
Payment on account means that you pay your tax bill in two instalments – 31st January and 31st July
Tax rebate means that you paid more income tax than you were supposed to, and you’re owed money from HMRC
Withdrawing a tax return means you no longer need to complete a Self Assessment form. If you think this is the case, let HMRC know as soon as you can!
Tax returns don’t need to be painful. We’ll sort your Self Assessment for you.
Get matched with your very own accountant. Yes, they’re all yours.
Not only will they file your tax return for you, but they’ll be on hand to answer any of your tax return questions.
Get simple, one-off tax advice from an accredited accountant.
They’ll sort and file your tax return for you, and before you know it, it will have been approved and on its way to HMRC.
Not sure if you’re in need of tax advice or help with tax returns? No biggy, you can read more here about our different services.
Don’t want to splash too much cash? Bundle the services and save £59!
Here’s a taste of what it would be like to have your own personal tax accountant:
Plus, we have all the bookkeeping tools you need, for free!
Manage your finances and get your taxes sorted, all in one place.
Living in a digital age definitely has its benefits.
But, sometimes we want a quick call with a real person to sort out our problems. And it’s not too much to ask for, in our humble opinion.
That’s why we offer the best mix of both!
It’s fair to say that HMRC might need to reweigh the pros and cons of their Self Assessment helpline plan for next time. ⚖️
The good news is that in the meantime, we’ll always be on hand to take the stress away, answer your questions, or just let you know that you’re not in the tax game alone – summer or winter, rain or shine!
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