HMRC Long Phone Waiting Times - Big Phone Bills

pennypincher3562

I am sure anyone who has tried to contact HMRC by phone will be aware that a lengthy wait 'on hold' is the norm before someone speaks to you.

My last call cost me £6, and most of that was due to being put 'on hold.' From past experience, waits of 40 minutes plus are not unheard of, and given the phone bill cost, it's no good at all (they should be deducting the phone bill costs off your tax.)

Anyway, I've got a letter from them today, that needs responded to. I don't really have time or inclination to waste more money phoning them.

Does anyone know of alternative ways of contacting them? I was hoping that they had a 'webchat' service, but can't locate it on their contact page:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/self-assessment

Thanks.

[Deleted User]

Phone at 8am

xylophone

Anyway, I've got a letter from them today, that needs responded to. I don't really have time or inclination to waste more money phoning them.

Write a letter in response?

There is an address and reference on the letter you have received?

Otherwise

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/income-tax-enquiries-for-individuals-pensioners-and-employees

BoGoF

What number are you dialling? And from where, as HMRC should be 0300 and therefore free (unless PAYG mobile perhaps)

molerat

Phone just before 8am on a Saturday or just before 9am on a Sunday, rarely put on hold at those times.

nick74

BoGoF wrote: »

What number are you dialling? And from where, as HMRC should be 0300 and therefore free (unless PAYG mobile perhaps)

0300 numbers are not actually free, but they are included in the minutes in most call plans on mobiles and landlines. Otherwise they are charged at the standard rate for calls to landlines.

MichelleUK

There is a webchat facility that supposedly becomes 'live' when an advisor is available, see halfway down the page

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/income-tax-enquiries-for-individuals-pensioners-and-employees

I have never witnessed it as available though...I think it might be a myth!

uknick

xylophone wrote: »

Write a letter in response?

There is an address and reference on the letter you have received?

Otherwise

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/income-tax-enquiries-for-individuals-pensioners-and-employees

I can only second this. Everything I do with officialdom is put in writing.

Pennywise

Likewise, ALL my interactions with HMRC are in writing, either using online forms where available or by a letter in the post. I honestly can't remember the last time I phoned them - must be a few years at least - and dealing with HMRC is my job!

POPPYOSCAR

I have contacted their online support before through my account.

This is the email they replied from

hmrcsupport@tax.service.gov.uk

notbritishgas

MichelleUK wrote: »

There is a webchat facility that supposedly becomes 'live' when an advisor is available, see halfway down the page

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/income-tax-enquiries-for-individuals-pensioners-and-employees

I have never witnessed it as available though...I think it might be a myth!

No it is not a myth, I have used it a couple of times and they were very helpful.
But as you say you have to be vigilant watching the link to see when it becomes available and if others are doing the same you have to be quick.