The latest HMRC news and information bulletins from 10 and 24 November are available. Despite HMRC reporting in its 10 November bulletin that performance has improved, we continue to receive reports of poor HMRC service and continue to press HMRC for improvements in key areas, particularly given that it is now busy self-assessment season.
HMRC’s performance data for July-September 2022 does show some minor improvement but service levels still remain well below targets in many areas. HMRC promised to restore service levels by this month; we are expecting a more detailed update from HMRC on service levels at a meeting of the Representative Body Steering Group, its highest level forum meeting, in December.
Key items in recent bulletins which may be of interest are:-
- Self-Assessment income tax and corporation tax paper repayment notifications will be ending from 16 December;
- A new form is now available to send supporting details for VAT repayments;
- Deferred VAT 5 percent penalties – action needed now;
- Reminder of Time to Pay for Self-Assessment;
- The new late filing and payment VAT penalties which take effect from 1 January 2023; and
- A reminder about tax free childcare.
HMRC has also released a new app for mobile devices. The HMRC app, available on iOS and Android, allows access to an individual’s tax account using their existing Government Gateway user credentials. An additional passcode must also be set up.
Individuals can use the app to check their tax code and national insurance number, see how much they have been paid through PAYE, see an estimate of their tax payable for the year, view communications from HMRC and track tax credits and child benefit. Self-assessment taxpayers can check how much tax is due to HMRC under self-assessment and make self-assessment payments.