HMRC not answering phone lines

Yesterday HMRC announced that many of the phone helplines would be closed from 8 April until October, and then dealing only with priority cases. However I see that less than 24 hours later that decision was reversed.

Wait times on the helplines are awful and the only tip I can give you is to ring first thing at 8am, make sure you've already been to the bathroom and have a nice thick book on hand to read while you're on hold

You have to complete a tax return if HMRC have issued you with a notice to file one or if you have income or gains that need to be taxed - in which case you need to notify HMRC of that fact. If you are due a tax refund, filing a return may be the simplest & quickest way of receiving it.
I have not heard that there is an extension to the filing deadline for tax returns - can't see a reason why that is needed. If you do need/want to complete a tax return for the tax year ending in 5 April 2024, you have until 31 January 2025 to do so (or 3 months after HMRC issue a notice to file, if later).

I can recommend setting yourself up with a Personal Tax Account if you haven't already done so. It's fairly easy to use and covers other benefits too.
HTH

I think there has been a change of heart about the phone lines being closed.

I was on hold for 1hr & 13 minutes getting through to HMRC, I nearly gave up thinking maybe I was maybe lost in the holding system!!
A very long wait for a 6 minute conversation but worth it to get sorted out with my query. As already said toilet first drink & book at the ready, good luck

Why on earth don’t they think these decisions through before announcing it, then having to back track when surprise, surprise, the general public kick up a fuss?

Do they honestly think that people will say “Oh, great, the phone lines are going to be closed for 6 months of the year”. ?

Oh for the days when almost every town and city had a Tax Office.

I love all your Loo tips.. as do have frequent ones.. I competed online the change in circumstances but still received a letter… think Government departments are in a parallel universe to most of us … it’s a crazy world 🤔

I phoned HMRC to request a form. I had to wait 10 minutes in a queue and was then answered. The form arrived 3 days later by post. I don't think that compares badly with helplines at banks and other businesses.