TaxAid, now celebrating its silver anniversary, was founded by tax professionals who were concerned that people on low incomes were suffering significantly because they could not afford tax advice. In 2001, the Tax Help for Older People project followed, initially regionally, then nationwide. Both charities have grown steadily in the years since, and are now helping more than 21,000 people a year.

At an event in central London to thank supporters, Gary Millner, joint chief executive of TaxAid UK and Tax Help for Older People, said: ‘Over a quarter of a million people have been helped by the two charities since they were founded. We should celebrate this tremendous achievement and, in particular, recognise the huge amount of support and volunteer help from tax professionals that enables us to assist so many people.

‘Nevertheless, the fact is that demand for our services is continuing to outstrip our ability to deliver it.’

The charities attribute the increase in demand for their services to a range of factors. These include the increased complexity of the tax system; higher numbers of self-employed and ‘gig economy’ workers, many of them on low incomes; and higher numbers of people in multiple employments, much of it precarious.

In 2015, the two charities, supported by CIOT and other professional bodies and firms, launched a joint campaign, Bridge the Gap, to raise an additional £250,000 a year to enable them to meet the increased demand for their help.

Anthony Thomas, chair of the Bridge the Gap steering group, said: ‘TaxAid and Tax Help for Older People provide absolutely vital help to tens of thousands of people every year who cannot afford, but desperately need, help with their tax affairs. I urge anyone in a position to do so to support the Bridge the Gap campaign which aims to raise the additional resources the two charities need each year to meet demand for their help.’

Report by Pat Sweet