Tax Credits help line - Alternative number is ...

Numberlock

sunnyone wrote: »

I dont claim tax credits and I cant understand why you dont just fill in the form and post it off when you get it, why bother with the phone lines whan you know they are incredibly busy thus wasting your own time.

When people have queries about the Tax Credits, the damn 0845 tel no is their only recourse, that's why! Email addresses and postal addresses are not really an option as the HMRC usually refer people to phone through their queries even after stating it all in writing to them. It's a ludicrous situation.

I wrote to my MP yesterday highlighting this poor level of service and am awaiting her reply....

Numberlock

Telfordstar wrote: »

I tried this number and got straight through only to be told its for international calls and for me to call the 0845 number!!

This 01355 tel no - apparently, that's the dialling code for the East Kilbride area. So, watch what time of day you're calling them as that also will be an expensive call if you're kept hanging on.

TaxCreditHelp

As mentioned above, you can report changes in your circumstances via letter to Tax Credit Office, Preston but be aware it will take longer to deal with these changes.

Tax Credit Office are currently developing a secure online portal. A number of years ago Tax Credits had a dull on-line service and this was repeatedly and systematically abused and suffered mass organised fraud and the service was cancelled. It is taking a while but any online service needs to be 100% secure. Next year Tax Credit customers should be able to complete their renewal online.

The 0845 number is used because the Tax Credit Helpline is manned by staff working in around 10 different locations all over the country and this is the easiest way to manage that. Also, it is only expensive to useif calling from your Mobile. 0845 numbers are classed as 'local' calls, no matter where in the UK you call from.

Numberlock

TaxCreditHelp wrote: »

As mentioned above, you can report changes in your circumstances via letter to Tax Credit Office, Preston but be aware it will take longer to deal with these changes.

Yep, did that and received a letter from TCO Preston requesting that I phone the 0845 number to give them the same information that I had already stated in my letter. As an insider, can you shed any light on this?

Tax Credit Office are currently developing a secure online portal. A number of years ago Tax Credits had a dull on-line service and this was repeatedly and systematically abused and suffered mass organised fraud and the service was cancelled. It is taking a while but any online service needs to be 100% secure. Next year Tax Credit customers should be able to complete their renewal online.

That would be welcome. Although I think that a prompt and responsive email service to deal with different queries would be invaluable. It would certainly eliminate confusion and misunderstandings which can easily occur with telephone conversations.

The 0845 number is used because the Tax Credit Helpline is manned by staff working in around 10 different locations all over the country and this is the easiest way to manage that. Also, it is only expensive to useif calling from your Mobile. 0845 numbers are classed as 'local' calls, no matter where in the UK you call from.

0845 numbers are not included in many inclusive landline calls phone packages which irritates me. Why can't HMRC use 0300? I don't really see why using an 0845 number is the easiest way to manage 10 different UK call centre locations. Could you please explain that? Thanks.

Telfordstar

Numberlock wrote: »

This 01355 tel no - apparently, that's the dialling code for the East Kilbride area. So, watch what time of day you're calling them as that also will be an expensive call if you're kept hanging on.

It was ok i was put straight through all in all a 3 min phonecall

qball101

I aslo had no luck with the 0845 number but got through fairly quickly after trying the 01355 359007 one.

sunnyone

Numberlock wrote: »

When people have queries about the Tax Credits, the damn 0845 tel no is their only recourse, that's why! Email addresses and postal addresses are not really an option as the HMRC usually refer people to phone through their queries even after stating it all in writing to them. It's a ludicrous situation.

I wrote to my MP yesterday highlighting this poor level of service and am awaiting her reply....

If everyone updated there claims by post the phone line would by free for change of circumstances, I dont understand why people waste time phoneing when theres no reason too.

Hopefully this rediculous benefit will be done away with soon.

joanne_d_3

The reason i always use letters to the tax credit office as opposed to telephone is that i send my letters recorded delivery and then print out the signature on the royal mail track and trace website.

although the signature usually only says "TCO" at least that way they cant deny receiving it.

My parents had a fairly large over payment several years ago , half of which they had to pay back even though i know for CERTAIN that they informed TCO of the change of circumstance (by telephone) . Since then i have been more wary .

Joanne

MummyOfTwo

between 8am and now, tried ringing 30 times... isnt it a joke!!!

paulofessex

Have you tried the different numbers suggested around the forum as well as on saynoto.