Image source, Getty Images By Kevin Peachey Cost of living reporter HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reversed a choice to close its self-assessment telephone helpline for half of the year. The tax authority revealed on Tuesday that the line would be closed inbetween April and September, with taxpayers directed to online services rather. But less than a day lateron it stated the phone line would stay open this summerseason. “The rate of this modification requires to match the public hunger for handling their tax affairs online,” its employer stated. HMRC chief executive Jim Harra stated: “We’ve listened to the feedback and we’re stopping the helpline modifications as we acknowledge more requires to be done to makesure all taxpayers’ requires are fulfilled, whilst likewise motivating them to shift to online services.” The tax authority hasactually been toiling with long telephone helpline waiting times and extreme criticism of its services. But its statement that it would close the helpline was rightaway satisfied with extensive criticism from tax experts and MPs. More than 12 million individuals are needed to total self-assessment kinds every year, with lotsof hundreds of thousands ringing for help. HMRC had likewise prepared to just open the VAT helpline for 5 service days every month ahead of the duedate for filing VAT returns, and refuse calls about refunds to the PAYE hel
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