Tax and Benefits Confidential helpline

Contents

• What is the 'Tax and Benefits Confidential' helpline?
• Why has the helpline been set up?
• Do callers really not have to give their name?
• What sort of advice will be given?
• Are the calls being taped?
• What will HMRC do with the information they receive from callers?

Q. What is the 'Tax and Benefits Confidential' helpline?

A. On 22 June 2000 the 'Tax and Benefits Confidential' helpline line was launched. The helpline - 0845 608 6000 - will offer callers confidential help and information to help them put their affairs in order and find out how they would benefit from moving into work. The line is open 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday.

Q. Why has the helpline been set up?

A. To enable people working in the 'informal economy' - that is not registered for tax and are therefore unknown to HMRC - to put their affairs in order. They may also be incorrectly claiming benefits. It will provide them with information about the opportunities that exist in the regular economy and how to take advantage of the helpline. It will also provide detailed information on where they stand in relation to past tax or benefit problems.

Q. Do callers really not have to give their name?

A. The helpline has been set up to operate on a confidential basis. Obviously if callers wants a leaflet or form sent out to them, they will have to leave a contact name and address but otherwise there is absolutely no pressure to give a name.

Q. What sort of advice will be given?

A. The helpline can:

• tell the caller how to go about registering with HMRC
• work out someone's entitlement to WFTC or other in-work benefits
• tell the caller what they need to do about paying National Insurance Contributions that may affect future rights to state pension and some other benefits
• if the caller has been in business for some time they will work out how much tax and National Insurance a person would expect to pay based on declared profits;
• tell the caller whether they have been claiming benefits to which they are not entitled and what to do about it; callers will be advised to stop drawing the benefit immediately and to contact the Benefits Agency.

Callers can terminate the call at any point. If they want to ring back when they have had time to think a bit more about their situation, the helpline will give them a reference number to quote when they call again.

Q. Are the calls being taped?

A. No. But the operator will make a written note of the key elements of the conversation so that each side will know where they stand. In particular, that will mean callers will be able to rely on what they are told by the helpline.

Q. What will HMRC do with the information they receive from callers?

A. Where callers identify themselves and say they want to regularise their tax affairs on the basis set out by the advice line they will be sent a letter setting out what they told the advice line about their circumstances and what that means for their tax and NIC position (as explained to them on the helpline). The letter will tell them to contact their local tax office (identified in the letter) so that taxpayer records can be set up for them. So long as callers have been frank with the helpline, the tax treatment offered by the helpline will not be disturbed by the local office.