HMRC responds to Treasury Committee on summer closure of self-assessment helpline

Earlier this month, HMRC announced the helpline would be closed between 12 June and 4 September 2023.

The correspondence comes in response to a series of questions from the Committee Chair on HMRC’s decision, including the impact on taxpayers, whether the helpline will be reopened should the detriment to taxpayers be greater than expected, and if the closure is related to HMRC’s homeworking policy or staffing issues.

The response can be read in full here.

Chair comment

Commenting on the correspondence, Harriett Baldwin MP, Chair of the Treasury Committee, said:

“I am disappointed by the lack of detail and transparency displayed by the leadership of HMRC in response to my questions on the summer closure of an important taxpayer helpline. There is clearly a lack of clarity over the impact this decision will have on taxpayers. This simply isn’t good enough.

“These decisions should not be taken in haste and with no consultation, and as a Committee, we will be keeping a close eye on developments in this area.”

Further information

• The Committee Chair’s letter to the Deputy Chief Executive of HMRC can be read here.
  The response to this letter can be read here.
• HMRC news item, published Thursday 8 June: HMRC to trial seasonal Self Assessment helpline - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Image credit: UK Parliament/Tyler Allicock