Skip to main content
search

Taxpayers using call connection services to contact HMRC are being warned that this method is costlier than calling directly.

Some people might use these services by accident – call connection services are offered by private companies and appear in some search engine results as ‘ads’. These companies offer a service to put callers through to HMRC, using a premium rate number.

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) has alerted HMRC to the situation and is urging taxpayers to take care not to be caught out by these services when searching online for an HMRC helpline number.

Antonia Stokes, Technical Officer at LITRG, said, “Call connection services offer access to HMRC helplines but at very high rates. The companies we have seen recently are using premium rate 09 numbers with service charges of £3.60 per minute, often with an additional one-off connection charge, plus the caller paying their own telephone provider’s access charges.

“We understand that call connection companies using premium rate numbers have to follow a Code of Practice, which includes providing transparency about pricing information. Nevertheless, we have recently heard from taxpayers who have mistaken these phone numbers for direct HMRC contact lines and who have been shocked to see the cost of the call on their phone bill.”

Thinking of appointing Dolan Accountancy?

Give us a call on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.

Email Jaime

Antonia added, “One recent example involved an individual who paid £140 for a call to HMRC as they inadvertently used a call connection service. With other pressures on living costs, this is a mistake most people can ill afford.

“We have also heard from taxpayers who have been put off from contacting HMRC for help as they think they cannot afford the call charges – but those charges are via call connection services and not for calling HMRC directly.”

LITRG is offering the following advice:

  • Don’t assume the first search engine result is the direct number for the HMRC helpline you wish to contact
  • Check the number you are dialling – most official HMRC helplines are “03” numbers. Numbers beginning 09, 087 and 084 carry extra charges or “premium rates”. HMRC do not use premium-rate phone numbers.
  • Check your internet search results carefully – read disclaimers and pay attention to the URL (website address). Official information on HMRC helplines will usually be found on GOV.UK.
  • If you do use a call connection service inadvertently, follow the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) guidance on unexpected charges on your phone bill. In certain instances, the PSA (as regulator of certain telephone services) can investigate issues reported to them.

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.

Why Thousands of Contractors Choose Dolan Accountancy

With over 25 years experience in contractor accountancy helping thousands of contractors, freelancers and the self employed, Dolan Accountancy has the specialist skills, reputation and credibility you can trust.

Working closely with our sister company, Contractor Umbrella, it means we can offer one low cost, fixed fee package at £105 + VAT. This gives you the flexibility of using both our Limited Company Accountancy Services and our award winning Umbrella Service, for one inclusive cost.

If you’d like to find out more about how Dolan Accountancy can help you and your business, please give us a call on 01442 795 100 or email sophie.lewis@dolanaccountancy.com or jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.

We don’t believe in tiered packages or hidden extra fees, instead we aim to give you everything you need, including:

  • Free Company Formation – This is where it all begins. Once you have decided on an available name, we will form your company free of charge (if using our accountancy services) and it will be ready for you to use in as little as three hours
  • Free use of Contractor Umbrella – With IR35 Legislation changes we understand that sometimes you are required to contract via an umbrella company. We will keep your limited company ticking over, while you work margin free via our sister company, Contractor Umbrella
  • A Dedicated Accountant – Your accountant will be there for any company or personal tax advice that you require. We will never outsource work, even to internal teams
  • Free Access to FreeAgent – We offer all of our clients access to FreeAgent, free of charge
  • Free Business Banking – We have decided to waive our commission so our clients can use Tide free of charge for the first year
  • Unlimited IR35 Status Reviews – We will review all of your contracts for IR35 purposes and provide you with our professional opinion as to its status
  • Free Registered and Director’s Service Office Address – Sometimes you just don’t want your home address on display at Companies House. When you sign up to our accountancy services, we will offer the use of our address as an alternative
  • Your Business and Personal Taxation Needs – This includes Company Accounts, Director’s Personal Tax Return, VAT Returns, Payroll, Corporation Tax and Dividend advice, to name just a few
x

Not Found What You’re Looking For?

Speak to an ExpertLimited or Umbrella?
Exit
Take Home Pay Calculator