A woman has hit out at the “ludicrous” HMRC phone service after waiting over an hour to speak to someone but still not succeeding in correcting her tax code.
She took to X to contact the tax authority after her frustration over the phone. She said: “My tax code is incorrect.
“I have the app but really want someone to explain things to me personally. Held on the phone for over an hour. Ludicrous. Is there a direct email address I can use to get a proper answer?”
The tax authority said in response: “Sorry you’ve been unable to get through to our helpline advisers. Unfortunately we don’t have an email address to give you for that.
“You can get in touch with our webchat advisers during the opening hour 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday.”
The representative included a link to this webpage where you can type in a question and get an automated response.
Martin Lewis recently urged people to check if they are on the wrong tax code as they could be paying the wrong amount.
He told listeners to his BBC podcast: “You need to know your tax code and what it means, it’s your legal responsibility – it’s not your employer’s, not HMRC’s.
“Millions are wrong. Millions are overpaying. Millions are underpaying. It all causes a nightmare, make sure you know what your tax code is and check that it’s right.”
You can find your tax code can on your most recent payslip. Your tax code determines how much tax HMRC will deduct from your pay through the PAYE system.
The majority of workers will have tax code 1257L, meaning a person pays income tax at the basic rate of 20 percent on their earnings above £12,570 a year.
A person may want to check they are on the correct tax code if their circumstances have changed, such as taking up a new job. You may be put on an emergency tax code if your situation changes, meaning you could pay the wrong amont of tax.
If you believe you are on the wrong tax code, you can raise the issue with HMRC by calling the authority on 0300 200 3300.
The group can then change your tax code so you are taxed correctly, and you will be reimbursed any overpaid tax.
HMRC may also reach out to you if you are owed a tax rebate by sending you a P800 letter or a simple assessment letter.
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