Hi everyone,
Seasons greetings to all of you and your family. Thank you for your support in 2024.
Following the great response about audit and less complex entities, SPA was invited in to meet the FRC. I was joined by 2 members, Peter Hollis and Paul Clegg, which we did a few days ago.
I thank my 2 fellow members for their brilliant technical knowledge. Because of you, and them, we will be in regular contact with the FRC. The next meeting will be in March so we will need some more feedback in 2025. A more detailed article (about the meeting) will be sent to you in early January 2025.
I have attended meetings with HMRC (the agent support group) and edit information I receive from HMRC before sending it to you. By doing this I hope to save you time reading the details. Talking of which please note the contact problem (see below) which has started and will go on until February 2025.
I speak regularly to a local agent of the Bank of England. I asked for interest rates to be reduced as the current increase in inflation is beyond our control. I failed.
My thanks to Clare who has rebuilt and manages our website so well. Season’s Greetings to Taxing Times who handle your subscriptions.
As a seasonal present from you to me I need two enthusiastic leaders to join as directors and provide guidance and support with our 2025 membership campaign.
To end the year, I have received the following message from HMRC: -.
Industrial action will impact HMRC between 23 December to 14 February. HMRC have robust plans in place to ensure we continue delivering critical services for our tax payers.
HMRC Employer Services phone line and webchat will be open 8am-6pm as usual but you and taxpayers may experience longer wait times.
The lines affected are:
- Employer Helpline (EHL)
- Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Helpline
HMRC will keep the opening hours and service levels under review and will update you in advance of any changes. There are no expected impacts on other services.
HMRC are updating taxpayers through GOV.UK and recorded message. Taxpayers calling the helpline will hear a message which tells them about the industrial action and the increased wait times. This message will also encourage taxpayers to use HMRC digital services.
HMRC strongly encourage taxpayers to use their digital services rather than waiting to speak to them on the phone. Some of the main topics’ taxpayers call the helplines about, which you do online are:
- get a quick answer to queries using the digital assistant link which takes you to: Construction Industry Scheme: general enquiries – GOV.UK (Ed. A bit odd for a general enquiry)
- Check the status of your CIS refund in the ‘Where’s My Reply’ tool – only call HMRC if the date has passed
- Check your balance in the Business Tax Account
For technical support with online services use the at Technical support with HMRC online services – GOV.UK
Have a really great festive break and a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
Kind regards,
Howard Gross BFP FCA FCCA CTA
Director
