What Is the HMRC Extra Support Team?
The HMRC Extra Support Team provides additional assistance to taxpayers who need extra help with their tax affairs. Health issues, financial difficulties and complex tax matters can make dealing with HMRC more challenging.
To address these challenges, HMRC created a dedicated support service. The team offers personalised guidance and practical assistance. As a result, vulnerable taxpayers can access support that meets their individual needs.
Who Can Benefit from the HMRC Extra Support Team?
HMRC created the HMRC Extra Support Team to help people who face barriers when managing their tax affairs.
For example, the service supports individuals experiencing:
- Physical health conditions
- Mental health difficulties
- Disabilities
- Bereavement
- Financial hardship
- Domestic abuse
In addition, the team can support people facing other circumstances that make dealing with HMRC overwhelming.
There is no income threshold for accessing the service. Taxpayers can receive support even if they already have an accountant or adviser.
How the HMRC Extra Support Team Can Help
The HMRC Extra Support Team supports taxpayers with a wide range of tax issues.
These include:
- Self Assessment
- Tax debts
- Penalties
- Problems accessing online tax accounts
- Ongoing disputes with HMRC
Specially trained advisers take time to understand each person’s circumstances. They then help the taxpayer work towards a solution.
In some cases, the same adviser manages the case throughout the process. This reduces the need to repeat information.
The team can also arrange face-to-face appointments when appropriate. This can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with telephone or online communication.
Support Available Through the HMRC Extra Support Team
The service can be especially valuable when tax issues arise from difficult personal circumstances. Examples include economic abuse and financial control within a relationship.
Some taxpayers discover liabilities or penalties linked to income they never received. Others find tax returns connected to arrangements they did not know about.
In these situations, the HMRC Extra Support Team can investigate the circumstances. The team can coordinate support across HMRC departments and review records where necessary.
Advisers also handle communication carefully and sensitively. This approach helps vulnerable individuals avoid repeatedly explaining distressing situations.
How to Access the HMRC Extra Support Team
Most people access the HMRC Extra Support Team through HMRC‘s standard helplines.
When an adviser identifies that someone needs additional support, they can transfer the case directly to the specialist team.
Charities, community groups and support organisations can also make referrals.
HMRC provides webchat support for many services. The department also reviews correspondence for signs that someone may need extra assistance.
Why Demand for the HMRC Extra Support Team Is Increasing
Demand for the HMRC Extra Support Team continues to grow.
Tax affairs are becoming more complex. More services are moving online. The ageing population, rising self-employment levels and Making Tax Digital have also increased the need for personalised support.
Each year, the team helps thousands of taxpayers. Advisers provide support through telephone calls, webchat, correspondence and face-to-face meetings.
Our Advice
If personal circumstances make dealing with HMRC difficult, support may be available.
The HMRC Extra Support Team helps vulnerable taxpayers understand and meet their tax obligations. The service also provides additional support when people need it most.
If you think you or a family member could benefit from this service, please contact our team. We will be happy to discuss your situation and help you find the most appropriate support available.