HMRC has confirmed that the tax credits intermediaries helpline will not be available from 9 - 9.15am every Wednesday for the foreseeable future.

HMRC says that staff working on the helpline will be involved in staff training, so the service will not be available during this time.

Tax advisers are recommended to call outside this period.

For agents handling tax credits issues for clients, the Agent Priority Line for tax credits on 0845 300 3943. This line is open from 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday and 8.00 am to 4.00 pm on Saturday.

Calls to this number will be routed to one call centre site. When the call comes through to the Contact Centre, it is identified as an agent call and advisers will have the relevant guidance for verifying and dealing with agents to hand. This should ensure a more efficient service for you when managing your client's tax credits affairs.