BDO welcomes HMRC’s u-turn on helpline services

Commenting on HMRC’s decision to u-turn on its plan to close helpline services, Dawn Register, Head of Tax Dispute Resolution at BDO said:

“We welcome HMRC’s decision to halt its proposed helpline changes. We have always been clear that digital innovations offer real benefits to taxpayers but these must be introduced at the right pace. 
 
“Currently, HMRC’s online systems aren’t foolproof and people often need to follow up with a call. Cutting off helplines at this stage was never going to be a good idea as it would have made it harder for taxpayers to be compliant.
 
“Most online service providers offer some form of helpline facility – particularly where the issues are complex. It’s hard to envisage a time when tax is so simple and HMRC’s online systems work so well that human helplines will no longer be needed.”

ENDS

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