HMRC to push ahead with controversial move to close helplines despite backlash | Personal Finance | Finance [Video]

HMRC still plans to close its helplines despite a backlash and the fact millions more people are being dragged into paying taxes.

The taxman was forced into a U-turn on closing its helplines earlier this year following pressure from the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, and MPs.

However, the organisation’s chief executive, Jim Harra, has told MPs that the closure of the phone lines is still ‘part of our strategy’.

More than 12 million workers must submit a self-assessment tax return each year, with around half of them calling the helpline for assistance.

At the same time, a failure to raise tax thresholds means more people, particularly pensioners are being dragged into paying tax – and some will have to start filling out tax returns.

Despite the likely increase in demand for help deciphering often complex tax issues, HMRCwants to change the way it operates to encourage people to communicate with and manage their tax affairs …