Sandra Jeevan, partner and head of private client tax and trust at UHY Hacker Young, points to growing concern over HMRC’s slower complaint response times, warning that delays can leave taxpayers facing unnecessary uncertainty, cost and disruption.
According to HMRC, the response time to complainants increased to 40 days last year, up from 26.7 days the year before – an unacceptable amount of time to be waiting.
Says Sandra Jeevan, Partner and Head of Private Client Tax and Trust at UHY Hacker Young:
“The increase in HMRC’s complaint response times is concerning for taxpayers who are seeking timely resolutions to their issues.”
“Whilst HMRC’s efforts to tackle the tax gap are important and welcome, this should not come at the expense of providing an efficient and responsive service to taxpayers.”
“Delays in handling complaints can create significant financial and practical difficulties, particularly where substantial amounts of tax are in dispute. In some cases, taxpayers may be left out of pocket for extended periods while waiting for matters to be resolved.”
“Improving service levels and addressing issues promptly would help to reduce uncertainty, cost and frustration for taxpayers. Getting things right first time remains the best way to avoid unnecessary disputes and delays.”
“Where taxpayers are unsure of their tax position, seeking professional advice at an early stage can often help prevent costly and time-consuming errors.”
