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HMRC to close 281 centres

15.03.13

HMRC has revealed it is to shut 281 inquiry centres across the country – a decision which is forecasted to save the taxman £13m every year.

Enquiry centres are still popular, especially with the elderly, as it is the only way to get face-to-face tax advice off HMRC. An estimated 2.5 million tax payers used the centres last year.

Initially, 13 centres in the North of the country, including Newcastle, York and Durham, will close. If this move proves to be a success, the remaining centres across the country will be shut down.

HMRC claim the number of visitors to the centres have halved since 2005-06.

This announcement will not come as good news to taxpayers, as HMRC's premium-rate phone line has been criticised in the past for slow-pick up times, costing callers a combined £136m in the 2011-12 tax year.  

The decision has apparently been made in order to improve both the phone and online services. HMRC will continue to offer a face-to-face alternative – with a new 'roaming' service, where advisors visit you on request, due to be introduced as a replacement.

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