HMRC to move away from premium numbers
With many people waiting for many minutes – and in some cases hours – to get through to a customer services representative at HMRC – there has been widespread anger that the company which provides telephone services for the taxman has been making hundreds of thousands of pounds because of how 0845 numbers are used.
According to reports in the papers, disgruntled taxpayers – including businesspeople – have had to pay more than £33 million over the 2011/12 tax year in order to speak to a HMRC representative. It can cost considerably more to contact HM Revenue and Customs from a mobile than from a landline.
With more than 80 million calls a year being handled by HMRC, and the numbers of staff available to take the queries cut, there have been calls for increases in staff – or the use of 03 numbers which are charged at a national rate – in order to ease the burden on businesspeople.
Of course, getting an accountant can also alleviate stress, as you can get all of the advice you need direct.
Stonehouse Accountants operate in the Peterborough, Kettering, Corby and Market Harborough area, call us now if you’re looking to change accountant or need a new one. 01733 26588.