MSE News: Anger as tax credit helpline jammed in latest HMRC gaffe

clarabombshell

helsbell wrote: »

Why can't we do it online?

I totally agree...years ago the Tax credits system was online but they removed the service after a series of gaffs!!
It is silly really...you can do your tax return online so why not this.

They need to pull their fingers out really and get this sorted out...I bet they are being paid plenty for their jobs!! (am not talking about the poor call centre staff who get the rough end of this either!)

clarabombshell

In Fact.....can't Mr Moneysaving Expert set up a petition for members to sign....I really think that they need a push and I really believe nothing would change unless a fuss is made!

Help Please Martin.......this is definately a good cause!!!

[Deleted User]

clarabombshell wrote: »

In Fact.....can't Mr Moneysaving Expert set up a petition for members to sign....I really think that they need a push and I really believe nothing would change unless a fuss is made!

Help Please Martin.......this is definately a good cause!!!

Martin doesn't know enough about the Tax Credit system to go up against HMRC.
He has said so may things that aren't factually correct in interviews and can't even remember that it is HMRC, not the Inland Revenue. The merger happened 5 years ago...it took less time for people to realise Opal Fruits are now called Starburst!

At the moment there are plans in place for a limited online facility for Tax Credits. There is not going to be a totally online service for Tax Credits due to the possibility of fraud.

The cost of implementing the online system is causing delays as the government are conducting a spending review. I think there is something expected in the first quarter of 2011.

AN14

I have finally managed to get through to Tax Credits!!!! Just to get a claim pack sent out!! Having sent two lettrs with no returns!!!! Try the following number 0845 300 3600. For anyone still trying. Hope this helps.:j

AN14

AN14 wrote: »

I have finally managed to get through to Tax Credits!!!! Just to get a claim pack sent out!! Having sent two letters with no returns!!!! Try the following number 0845 300 3600. For anyone still trying. Hope this helps.:j

mama67 wrote: »

I had been trying on the 3900 number for a couple of days then got told on here somewhere to try 3600, this got me through straight away and this was when the 3900 number was cutting off again, as tried it immediately beforehand.

Thanks I had been told about this number before, but had forgotton it, until i came across your post.:T

beautyqueen88

i got through on this number straight away after trying the other one for over a week with no success

01355 359 007

stigish

I was calling for about a week to notify them I had retuned to work. Everytime I called it was the usual press 2, then 3 and so on. After about 1m 25secs you got the dreaded "Why don't you call back later" then got cut-off. As I was leaving the house to commute before 8am and getting home after 8pm, I had to use my mobile to call them.

Today I received my phone bill and was faced with £28 worth of call charges to the Tax Credits Helpline!

Why can't they change the system to give you some options, eg:
I'm sorry all our advisers are busy, we cannot take your call - Right at the beginning. or,
If you want to hold, press 9, but you maybe waiting in excess of 15mins.
Instead of letting you spend a small fortune before cutting you off just as you think you're getting connected :mad:

The girl who handled my call was very pleasant, polite and probably deserved an award if she'd put up with some of the abuse I've heard being aimed at their call centre staff. I asked to give some feedback regarding my experience with the phoneline expecting an email address at worse, but was given a postal address to write my complaint to.............I just wanted to help, but will not be spending anymore money on even a stamp after this bill.

flight747

I had report this to my local MP and complaint about tax credit helpline is very impossible to get through and the MP will passed this onto the house of commons to investigated this as the MP had called the tax credit helpline number and couldn't get through either.

nextyeartina

have i heard right. martin lewis said on GMTV that if you can prove you have phoned tax credits on many occassions, gone through all the options then they hung up, you could possibly get your money back. it's seen as a money making scam. my phone bill has doubled from £45 to £98 this month :mad:. i'm having to pay for an itemised bill then i'm going to try to claim my calls to tc back

t x