For taxpayers facing a computation headache after the festive fun finishes, HMRC is providing a new online chat service to customers with self assessment (SA) queries in the run-up to the SA deadline on 31 January
HMRC says the service will be an open chat forum, with expert staff on hand to answer general questions.
However, these members of staff will not have access to an individual’s account, so taxpayers with detailed account queries will need to call the helpline as normal.
Anyone who wants to use the service needs to go to HMRC’s webpage, click a registration link for one of the available dates and register your details.
The online chat will available on eight separate dates, from 9am to 5pm each day.
The first day of availability is 7 January 2015 and the final day for the service is 30 January.
Individuals can register for the service any time from now until 30 minutes before it ends, and can join the service anytime between 9am and 4.30pm on the day.
Full timetable and links for registration are here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-self-assessment-online-chat-service
At the same time, all self assessment taxpayers should be aware that HMRC has now moved to the gov.uk web platform. This means that the look and feel of the website has changed in line with other government departments.
In a statement, HMRC said: ‘From 18 December 2014, if you are a Self Assessment-only customer (that is, you are self-employed with no other source of income, no employees and are not registered for VAT), your new look tax account will make it easier for you to see what you owe and to make a payment.
‘This service is secure. Personal and tax details are never shown in email reminders.’
