From today, Monday 17 April until 2 June 2023, HMRC has decided to restrict the use of the Agent Dedicated Line (“ADL”). In this time window, the ADL will only deal with queries on self-assessment penalties and PAYE coding notices. If a query cannot be answered by the ADL, HMRC advises agents to use the relevant online service, or the main helpline instead. The decision to restrict the ADL once again is a concerning one and raises the question of how the ADL will be run in future. Chartered Accountants Ireland is discussing this with HMRC and would welcome your feedback on the impact of this restriction. More information on the ADL restriction is available in an email from HMRC which also sets out details of online services and hints and tips for writing to HMRC.
According to HMRC this restriction is temporary, however, it is the second such restriction in 2023 and comes against a background of resource and budget constraints in the department as it seeks to move to develop and introduce additional online services. The decision to restrict the ADL had already been made when HMRC recently shared details of the restriction with the Professional Bodies.