Accountants ensure tax doesn’t have to be taxing
Advisers at accountancy firm Whitley Stimpson are urging thousands of people struggling with tax queries to seek professional advice.
Many are facing lengthy delays on the telephone to HMRC which has now launched a trial text system to answer basic questions as it struggles to cope with demand with the self-assessment deadline looming.
Whitley Stimpson Director Owen Kiffin said: “This is an extremely stressful time of year for many as they struggle to sort out their annual return in time for the January 31 deadline.
“HMRC is facing huge demand and while this new text service will help with basic information such as how to reset a password, anyone wanting more significant help will still face a long wait.
“An accountant can help by completing and submitting the form on your behalf, ensuring there are no errors and telling you how much tax to pay. They will also be able to answer queries which individuals would otherwise have to direct at HMRC.”
HMRC has faced criticism with the Public Accounts Committee of MPs recently giving it three months to improve its poor record of dealing with taxpayers’ queries.
Many callers have been forced to wait more than an hour to get through on the telephone while some have been cut off before they receive a response.
The new text service directs callers to HMRC’s online service, but serious doubts remain over whether the situation will improve significantly.
Owen added: “Using an accountant will remove the stress and help avoid unnecessary fines caused by late tax returns.”
For further information visit www.whitleystimpson.co.uk
Warning: Undefined array key "author_person" in /home/b4business/public_html/wp-content/themes/b4-2020/functions.php on line 121
Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/b4business/public_html/wp-content/themes/b4-2020/functions.php on line 121
More in Accountants
UK business confidence has dipped – resilience remains, but geopolitics is...
That is the overriding message from the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Q1 2026 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which reveals a business community continuing to operate, adapt and trade – but with confidence still fragile. The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is a comprehensive study conducted every three months by the Chamber of Commerce, gathering feedback from businesses across the Thames Valley region. It tracks key indicators such as sales, orders, employment strategy, investment plans and overall business sentiment, providing a snapshot of the regional economic climate and highlighting challenges and opportunities faced by firms.
Exit readiness: why it matters and how to prepare your business
For many business owners, exit planning only becomes a priority when a buyer appears. By that stage, pressure is high, options are limited, and value can easily be left on the table.
How the Thames Valley and Solent regions align with the government’s...
The government’s 2025 industrial strategy (IS-8) sets out a clear ambition to drive productivity, innovation, and globally competitive growth across eight priority sectors. The Thames Valley and Solent, spanning Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, is already delivering strongly against these goals, underpinned by an innovation-led, IP-rich, and service-focused economy.
From this author
Why having an audit can boost your business
Many directors will wince at the prospect of an audit, seeing it as a necessary evil to meet statutory obligations.
Whitley Stimpson welcomes Sushma to Bicester
Leading accountants and business advisors Whitley Stimpson, announces the appointment of Sushma Pandey who joins the company’s Bicester office.
FRC Proposes Major Overhaul of Auditing Standards
In a bold move, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has unveiled proposed changes to auditing standards that could have a major impact on the financial world, according to chartered accountants and business advisors Whitley Stimpson.