UK Tax Authority Extends Weekend Helpline as Self-Assessment Deadline Nears
With the self-assessment tax deadline fast approaching, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has taken the unusual step of opening its telephone helpline this Saturday and significantly expanding its webchat capacity. The move aims to assist the thousands of taxpayers traditionally leaving their annual filing to the final day.
An estimated 10.7 million individuals in the UK, including the self-employed, landlords, and those with multiple income streams, are required to submit their 2024-25 tax return online and settle any outstanding bill by midnight on January 31. Last year, approximately 1.1 million people missed the deadline, triggering automatic penalties.
"We recognise that many people leave their tax return to the last minute, which is why we have extended our support services this weekend," an HMRC spokesperson stated. The telephone line, typically closed on weekends, will operate from 09:00 to 16:00 GMT. However, the department, which has faced persistent criticism over call wait times, warned that hold times could be lengthy.
The digital assistant service will run all day, with webchat capacity scaled to ten times its normal Saturday volume. HMRC reiterated that online services remain the fastest route for support.
Failure to file by the deadline results in an immediate £100 fine, with additional daily penalties accruing after three months. Acceptable excuses for late submission are limited to serious circumstances such as a life-threatening illness or the death of a close partner. Past unsuccessful appeals have included claims of being on a mountain expedition or sailing around the world.
Beyond the filing deadline, experts warn of a dual pitfall: missing out on legitimate tax reliefs and falling victim to scams. Sir Steve Webb, former Pensions Minister and partner at LCP, highlighted that around 800,000 higher-rate taxpayers may be forfeiting pension tax relief by submitting incomplete returns.
"Filing the return is only half the battle," cautioned Alice Haine, Personal Finance Analyst at Bestinvest. "You must also pay any tax owed by January 31, which requires cleared funds in your account ahead of the deadline." For those struggling to pay, HMRC offers an online "Time to Pay" arrangement for debts under £30,000, subject to eligibility.
The looming deadline also casts a spotlight on a major forthcoming change. From April 2024, self-employed individuals and landlords with gross income over £50,000 will need to comply with Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, replacing the traditional annual return. This mandates digital record-keeping and quarterly submissions.
"MTD is the most significant administrative shift in personal taxation in a generation," said Victoria Todd of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group. "With the first phase imminent, taxpayers must ensure they are prepared."
What Our Readers Say
David Chen, Small Business Owner, Manchester: "The extended hours are a welcome, if overdue, gesture. The real issue is the year-round complexity of the system. A last-minute helpline is a sticking plaster, not a solution."
Eleanor Shaw, Freelance Graphic Designer, Brighton: "As someone who files early, it's frustrating to see resources stretched for procrastinators. But I understand the stress—the process is genuinely daunting for many."
Marcus Gibson, Landlord, London: "This is classic HMRC theatre. They create a labyrinthine system, then pat themselves on the back for offering a few hours of emergency support. The penalties are punitive, and the MTD changes feel like another layer of bureaucratic nightmare designed to catch people out."
Priya Sharma, Accountant, Birmingham: "The key advice remains: don't wait. Use the online portal, and if you have any pension contributions or complex income, seek advice. An incomplete return can be as costly as a late one."