HMRC’s failings won’t go unanswered

19 Dec 2015

Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co (GSM) is reminding people that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) could be forced to waive or reduce penalties for taxpayers who filed returns late or incorrectly because the tax authority did not answer their telephone calls.

Ministers have condemned HMRC for its customer service after an official report claimed that half of all calls received in the first six months of the year – totalling 12 million – were not answered.

HMRC commented: “We work very much on a case-by-case basis but if you phoned us and couldn’t get through we would take that into account. We know our customer service hasn’t been as good as it should be so we have moved a further 3,000 people into them and things are getting better.”

Jenny Tolmie, Partner at Central London based Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co said: “This really is a turnaround and shows that HMRC have accepted their poor service is not acceptable. The deadline for submitting online self-assessment tax returns is 31 January 2016 but this date should not be looked upon with complacency. Fines may still be issued for anyone that submits a late refund.

“GSM can take away the anxiety of self-assessment and allow you to focus on doing what you do best; running your business.”

For guidance and support with self-assessment tax returns, please contact Jenny Tolmie on 020 7935 3793 or via email jtolmie@gsmaccountants.co.uk

The author is a partner in Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co, a member of UK200Group which has offices throughout the UK and Associates overseas.