HMRC is launching a trial of quick response to enquiries in relation to tax-advantaged share schemes.

The tax office has worked with members of the ERS Forum Tax Advantaged Share Schemes group to design a 'quick HMRC response' arrangement for certain enquiries which will see responses to queries made within seven working days of the date of receipt. The four-month trial will start on 14 January 2013.

Under the trial, HMRC will only respond to queries on a 'quick response' basis if it is satisfied that the query is capable of being dealt with quickly and relates to one of the following:

• a variation of share capital;

• an alteration to an identified key feature;

• a company reorganisation; and

• other circumstances in which HMRC is satisfied that a quick response can be made and is required.

HMRC says a query will not be eligible for this arrangement if it takes HMRC more than one hour to handle. Customers will be advised by email within the same timeframe where an enquiry is not eligible for this arrangement, and these enquiries will be dealt with in order of date of receipt to the normal timescales.

The outcome of the trial will be reported in September 2013.

Details on how to take part in the trial are available from HMRC